Introduction

Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer is a beloved frozen meal that has gained immense popularity for its rich, creamy, and authentic taste. If you’re a fan of this flavorful dish, you might be wondering how to recreate it at home with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Look no further! This homemade Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer recipe is a healthier and tastier version of the store-bought meal, giving you the same creamy texture, earthy spices, and melt-in-your-mouth paneer.

Palak Paneer is a classic North Indian dish made with fresh spinach (palak), Indian cottage cheese (paneer), and a blend of aromatic spices. While Trader Joe’s version offers convenience, making it from scratch allows you to customize the ingredients, control the spice levels, and enjoy a fresher taste. Plus, pairing it with brown rice, just like in Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer with Brown Rice, makes it a complete, satisfying meal.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step homemade Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer recipe that is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of trader joe’s palak paneer or simply love Indian cuisine, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

How to make trader joe’s palak paneer

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer-inspired dish at home:

For the Spinach Puree (Palak Gravy)

• 2 bunches fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach)
• 1 green chili (adjust based on spice preference)
• 2 cups water (for blanching)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for blanching)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

For the Paneer

• 200g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil (for frying)

For the Masala Base

• 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 medium tomato, pureed
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or 1/2 cup whole milk (optional, for a creamy texture)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for freshness)

For Serving

• 2 cups cooked brown rice (for an authentic Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer with Brown Rice experience)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions to make Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer with Brown Rice

Step 1: Blanch the Spinach

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add salt and turmeric powder to the boiling water.
3. Add the spinach leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until they become vibrant green.
4. Immediately transfer the spinach to ice-cold water to preserve the color and nutrients.
5. Blend the cooled spinach with 1 green chili into a smooth puree and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Paneer

1. Cut paneer into bite-sized cubes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee or oil in a pan.
3. Lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown on the edges.
4. Transfer to a plate and keep aside.

Step 3: Cook the Masala Base

1. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon ghee and 1 tablespoon oil.
2. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them crackle.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in pureed tomato and cook until the oil separates.
6. Add the dry spices (turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, chili powder, and salt) and mix well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Pour in the blended spinach puree and stir well.
2. Let the spinach simmer for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
3. Add the fried paneer cubes and mix gently.
4. Stir in heavy cream or milk for a creamy consistency (optional).
5. Finish with lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Step 5: Serve with Brown Rice

1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Serve Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer hot with a side of brown rice.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Palak Paneer

• For a restaurant-style texture, blend the onion-tomato masala before adding the spinach puree.
• Use fresh paneer for the best texture; homemade paneer works great.
• To enhance flavor, add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves).
• For extra richness, add a dollop of butter before serving.
• If you prefer a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and use coconut milk instead of cream.

Serving Suggestions

• With Brown Rice: Just like Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer with Brown Rice, pairing it with brown rice makes it a hearty, wholesome meal.
• With Naan or Roti: Serve with warm naan or whole wheat roti for a traditional touch.
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with dal, vegetable curry, or raita for an Indian feast.
• For a fun twist, try serving this Palak Paneer with a slice of homemade Trader Joe’s Sourdough Bread or alongside a refreshing Trader Joe’s Caesar Salad for a well-balanced meal!

Recipe Variations & Customizations

• Spicy Version: Add more green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• No Onion-Garlic Version: Skip onions and garlic and use asafoetida (hing) for flavor.
• Keto-Friendly: Swap brown rice for cauliflower rice.
• Low-Fat Version: Use less oil and substitute cream with Greek yogurt.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I freeze palak paneer?

Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.

How can I make it creamier?

Add extra cream or cashew paste for a luxurious texture.

Is Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer spicy?

The store-bought version is mild. You can adjust the spice levels in this homemade version to your liking.

What can I use instead of paneer?

Tofu, halloumi, or even firm ricotta are great substitutes.

Substitutes & Ingredient Alternatives

• Spinach: Can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard.
• Paneer: Use tofu for a dairy-free option.
• Brown Rice: Substitute with quinoa or white rice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fats: 15g
• Fiber: 6g

Conclusion

This homemade Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer recipe is a flavorful, healthier alternative to the store-bought version. With fresh spinach, soft paneer, and warm spices, this dish is packed with nutrients and authentic Indian taste. Whether you enjoy it with brown rice, naan, or roti, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Have you tried making this at home? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow Trader Joe’s fans!

Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer with Brown Rice

Serves: 2 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 15 Minutes 15 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 350 calories 15 Grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer:

For the Spinach Puree (Palak Gravy)

• 2 bunches fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach)
• 1 green chili (adjust based on spice preference)
• 2 cups water (for blanching)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for blanching)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

For the Paneer

• 200g paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil (for frying)

For the Masala Base

• 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 medium tomato, pureed
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or 1/2 cup whole milk (optional, for a creamy texture)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for freshness)

For Serving

• 2 cups cooked brown rice (for an authentic Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer with Brown Rice experience)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Blanch the Spinach

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add salt and turmeric powder to the boiling water.
3. Add the spinach leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until they become vibrant green.
4. Immediately transfer the spinach to ice-cold water to preserve the color and nutrients.
5. Blend the cooled spinach with 1 green chili into a smooth puree and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Paneer

1. Cut paneer into bite-sized cubes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee or oil in a pan.
3. Lightly fry the paneer cubes until they turn golden brown on the edges.
4. Transfer to a plate and keep aside.

Step 3: Cook the Masala Base

1. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon ghee and 1 tablespoon oil.
2. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them crackle.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in pureed tomato and cook until the oil separates.
6. Add the dry spices (turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, chili powder, and salt) and mix well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Pour in the blended spinach puree and stir well.
2. Let the spinach simmer for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors.
3. Add the fried paneer cubes and mix gently.
4. Stir in heavy cream or milk for a creamy consistency (optional).
5. Finish with lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Step 5: Serve with Brown Rice

1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Serve Trader Joe’s Palak Paneer hot with a side of brown rice.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Pro Tips for the Perfect Palak Paneer

• For a restaurant-style texture, blend the onion-tomato masala before adding the spinach puree.
• Use fresh paneer for the best texture; homemade paneer works great.
• To enhance flavor, add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves).
• For extra richness, add a dollop of butter before serving.
• If you prefer a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and use coconut milk instead of cream.