Kali Dal Makhani
Black lentils slow-simmered in a buttery tomato base.
Palak Paneer in Chatham, NJ
Soft paneer in blanched spinach with fenugreek and cream.
The dish that converts paneer skeptics. Cubes of fresh paneer (India's mild, non-melting cheese) are folded into blanched spinach cooked down with mustard oil, dried fenugreek, and a touch of cream. Earthy, gently spiced, and the most-ordered vegetarian entree at Sonny's.
Good palak paneer lives or dies on the spinach: ours is blanched (not boiled to death) so the sauce stays vibrant green and tastes like a vegetable, not a paste. The paneer stays pillowy because it's added late and never overcooked. It's naturally vegetarian, protein-rich, and mild enough for kids. It anchors nearly every vegetarian order we send to Madison, Summit, and beyond. Vegans: this one contains dairy twice over; our Chana Masala or Aloo Gobhi Masala are the plant-based picks.
Price: $18 · Category: Vegetarian Entrees · Dietary: Vegetarian
Spice level: Mild, earthy and gentle
Want the deeper story? Read our guide on the blog →
Palak Paneer: quick answers
What guests ask us most about palak paneer.
What is paneer?
Paneer is a fresh Indian cheese made by curdling milk with lemon or vinegar and pressing the curds. It’s mild, firm, and doesn’t melt when cooked, perfect for holding its shape in curries like palak paneer.
Is palak paneer healthy?
It’s one of the more nutritious Indian entrees: spinach delivers iron and vitamins, paneer adds protein and calcium, and the dish is naturally gluten-free. Like most restaurant curries, it contains cream. Hearty, but balanced.
Is palak paneer vegetarian or vegan?
Vegetarian, not vegan. Paneer is dairy, and the sauce is finished with cream. For a vegan spinach-forward alternative, ask us, or order Chana Masala or Aloo Gobhi Masala (both fully vegan).
What is the difference between saag paneer and palak paneer?
Palak means spinach specifically; saag refers to any braised greens (spinach, mustard greens, fenugreek leaves). Our Palak Paneer is spinach-based.
What to pair with Palak Paneer
Garlic Naan
Tandoor-baked, brushed with butter, roasted garlic & cilantro.
Samosas
Crisp golden turnovers with spiced potato or chicken filling.
Taste it tonight
Palak Paneer is made fresh to order at 225 Main St, Chatham. Dine in (we're BYOB), pick up, or get it delivered.