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 — the anchor of 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
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Good to Know
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.
Pairs Well With
More From Our Kitchen
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.