Nourishing Palak Paneer With Basmati Rice
A comforting, vibrant Indian classic featuring soft paneer cubes simmered in a rich, spiced spinach puree. Served over fluffy basmati rice, it is deeply satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Makes
2 servings
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthWell-nourished skin
Support from the whole plate
Regular meals with enough protein, plants and fats support overall nourishment. Think consistency, not one miracle ingredient.
Notice: consistency + hydration
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
A steadier afternoon
Give your day a solid food foundation
Being properly fed cannot solve a hard day, but a substantial meal can remove hunger and an energy dip from the list of things you are juggling.
Notice: mood + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Blender · Large skillet · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water…
- 01
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water…
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. In a small pot, combine the rice with the water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat to the lowest setting, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit covered until ready to serve.
Look for: it runs clear
Tap card to mark done - 02
Bring a medium pot of water to…
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Drop in the fresh spinach and blanch for 2 minutes until wilted. Drain immediately and run under cold water to preserve the bright green color. Transfer the spinach to a blender and puree until smooth, adding a tiny splash of water only if needed.
Look for: wilted
Tap card to mark done - 03
Finely chop the yellow onion
Finely chop the yellow onion. In a large skillet, heat the ghee or olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
Look for: soft and golden
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Stir in the minced garlic and minced…
Stir in the minced garlic and minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Look for: fragrant
Tap card to mark done - 05
Add the garam masala
Add the garam masala, ground coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Look for: the mixture thickens slightly
Tap card to mark done - 06
Pour the pureed spinach into the skillet…
Pour the pureed spinach into the skillet and stir to combine. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and fold in the cubed paneer and heavy cream. Let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes, taking care not to overcook the paneer so it stays soft.
Allow: 2 to 3 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 07
Fluff the cooked basmati rice with a…
Fluff the cooked basmati rice with a fork, divide it between two bowls, and top generously with the warm palak paneer.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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