Knowing what to eat with palak paneer can make or break the dish. Below are some of the best options that you can enjoy with palak paneer.
A beloved dish in Indian cooking, palak paneer is praised for its rich, creamy texture and vivid green color. The meal creates a pleasing balance of flavors and nutrients by combining paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, with fresh spinach, or palak.
Palak paneer is not just a mainstay in many Indian homes, but its deliciousness and health advantages have made it popular all over the world. Even while it’s delicious on its own, adding the perfect side dishes may really make the meal experience unforgettable.
What to Eat with Palak Paneer
Raita is a traditional Indian side dish made with yogurt and frequently combined with spices and vegetables. In contrast to the deep flavors of Palak Paneer, it provides a refreshing contrast. Yogurt’s creamy texture adds a refreshing touch to the dinner and balances out any heat from the spices. Add ingredients such as chopped mint leaves, shredded carrots, or sliced cucumbers to make several kinds of raita. Palak Paneer goes incredibly well with a simple cucumber raita made with yogurt, finely diced cucumber, salt, and cumin powder.
Pickles and Papad
Another traditional condiment that gives your dinner a flavor boost is Indian pickles, or achar. Usually, seasonal fruits and vegetables are used to make these pickles, which are then preserved in oil and spices. The acidic and spicy tones of pickles give a pleasant contrast to the creamy Palak Paneer. Serving papad, which are crispy lentil wafers, also adds a crunchy texture that improves the flavor profile. You may eat papad either way—fried or roasted—by itself or with condiments like mint chutney.
Salad with Onions
A simple onion salad can be a fantastic addition to your supper. This salad, which is made of thinly sliced onions combined with tomatoes and seasoned with lemon juice and salt, gives the dish a bright, fresh look. Raw onions’ crisp flavor wonderfully balances the richness of Palak Paneer. For an additional flavor boost, you can also add chopped cilantro.
Accompanying Breads with Palak Paneer
Perhaps the most common bread to be served with Indian curries, such as Palak Paneer, is naan. This creamy spinach sauce is ideal for mopping up with this soft, leavened flatbread. There are several varieties of naan available, each with a distinct flavor profile. These include plain, garlicky, and loaded with cheese or potatoes. Naan’s soft, fluffy texture makes it the perfect partner for mopping up every last drop of the flavorful gravy.
Chapati or Roti
Whole wheat chapati or roti is a great option for individuals looking for something healthier. Made with whole wheat flour, these unleavened loaves are usually fried to a light brown on a flat griddle. Their somewhat chewy texture offers a healthy foundation for consuming Palak Paneer while maintaining the nutritional value of the dish. For an easier to eat option, roti can also be wrapped up and filled with some Palak Paneer.
Layered flatbreads known as paratha paratha can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as potatoes (aloo paratha) or paneer (paneer paratha). They go wonderfully with Palak Paneer because of their flaky texture, which enhances the meal’s richness. They can be served simply or topped with a dollop of butter for taste.
Rice Recipes in Terms of What to Eat with Palak Paneer
Rice Basmati
It’s common knowledge that basmati rice is ideal for combining with Indian curries. Its fragrant aroma and lengthy grains make it a great way to savor the creamy spinach sauce found in Palak Paneer. To cook basmati rice, rinse it well and then boil it in water until it’s frothy. This keeps the grains distinct and light.
Rice, Jeera
Another great alternative is jeera rice, which is made by sautéing cumin seeds in ghee and then adding water and basmati rice. Without dominating the flavors of Palak Paneer, the delicate spices in jeera rice bring out their best qualities. This fragrant rice dish enhances the flavor of the curry and gives your dinner a deeper dimension.
Pulao or Biryani
Combining Palak Paneer with biryani or pulao might make for a tantalizing meal for those who want to create a formal dining atmosphere. Whereas pulao is usually lighter and has cooked veggies with rice, biryani is a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and layered with marinated meat or vegetables. The rich tastes of both meals perfectly complement the creamy texture of Palak Paneer.
Greens
Salad Kachumber
A zesty concoction of sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and occasionally radishes, kachumber salad is dressed with lemon juice and a dash of salt and pepper. This salad gives your plate a pop of color and contrasts the soft feel of the Palak Paneer with a crunchy texture. The meal is brightened and its richness is balanced by the spicy flavor character.
grated salad of raw papaya
Raw papaya salad, grated, is another great side dish that adds interesting flavors to your dinner. Grated raw papaya, lime juice, ginger, and green chilies combine to make a zesty meal that balances the heavy taste of Palak Paneer and improves digestion. Not only is this light salad nutrient-dense, but it is also refreshing.
See also: How to remove bitterness from palak paneer
Drinks
Lassi Lassi is a classic yogurt-based beverage that can be either savory or sweet. A decadent treat to go with your meal can be a sweet lassi, which is created from yogurt combined with sugar and flavored with cardamom or rose water. An alternative is a sour lassi spiced with roasted cumin powder, which has a cooling effect and counteracts the dish’s spice.
Masala Chai A delightful tea that adds warmth and coziness to any meal, masala chai is ideal for people who prefer tea to yogurt-based beverages. The cardamom, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon that are utilized in masala chai can work wonders to accentuate the tastes of Indian food.
Wine Matches
While it may seem strange to pair wine with Indian food, there are several wines that go well with Palak Paneer and can make your dining experience more enjoyable. The crisp acidity and fruity undertones of a light white wine, such Riesling or Grüner Veltliner, cut through the dish’s richness and make it a great match.
If you’re more of a red wine drinker, go for lighter kinds like Gamay or Pinot Noir; their mild tannins will add depth without overpowering the subtle tastes of Palak Paneer.
Ideas for Desserts
After savoring Palak Paneer, consider offering classic Indian desserts like these to end your meal on a sweet note:
Jamun Gulab
Dough balls dipped in sugar syrup flavored with cardamom or rose water are called gulab jamun. Their creamy texture adds a decadent touch to your dinner and contrasts beautifully with savory foods like Palak Paneer.
Kheer Kheer is a cardamom-flavored, creamy rice pudding with almond and pistachio garnishes. This luscious dessert provides a calming conclusion to your meal while balancing the spiciness in Indian food.
Malai Ras
After enjoying Palak Paneer, try Ras Malai, which is soft paneer cheese balls soaked in cardamom-infused sweetened milk. It’s a delicious way to end your dinner.
In summary
Beyond simply being a tasty dish, palak paneer serves as an encouragement to experiment with different culinary combinations that bring out the tastes of the dish and create unique dining experiences. Every addition, whether they are complementing breads like naan and roti or traditional accompaniments like raita and pickles, adds something special to your meal.
Try a variety of salads, such as grated raw papaya salad or kachumber, to enhance the freshness of your meal. Aromatic rice dishes make hearty foundations for this curry, which is a family favorite.
There are many of possibilities for making a memorable feast that revolves around what to eat with palak paneer, whether you go for exquisite desserts like gulab jamun or kheer or cool drinks like lassi or masala chai.
