Trader Joe's Palak Paneer

This is one frozen entree that is frequently unavailable is Trader Joe's Palak Paneer. I wasn't sure what to think of it just looking at the package. I've enjoyed their other Indian dishes such as the Trader Joe’s Vegan Tikka Masala, Trader Joe’s Lamb Vindaloo, Trader Joe’s Butter Chicken, Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala, and my personal favorite the Trader Joe’s Paneer Tikka Masala Review. What I enjoyed most about the Paneer Masala was the Spinach flavored rice and the Paneer itself. This one is called Palak Paneer because Palak means Spinach.

Can this dish be supplemented? Yes, the back of the box gives you recommendations to serve this with rice. Being that this is my lunch I'm having it without, but I'd highly recommend this with rice.

Here is the visual rundown of what you can expect if you buy this product:

The box of Trader Joe's Palak Paneer:

This is the nutritional information, the ingredients and how to prepare it. I used the microwave as I'm at work. It is also vegetarian so if that is a priority to you, they're letting you know there is no meat in this.

What does this look like out of the box? It reminded me of a creamed spinach with chunks of cheese (which is the paneer part of this). If you have no clue what paneer is, then it is chunks of cheese much like a pressed cottage cheese. Ricotta salada is the closest thing I can make a comparison to paneer.

So after 3 minutes on high in the microwave. It was still cold so I gave it a stir and put it back in the microwave for another minute and this is what I got:

How does it taste? Like creamed spinach with the flavor and smell of curry with a mild spice.

Was it tasty? Yes, I liked it very much, but it definitely would have been better over rice to break up all the spinach a thought that is shared by other reviewers. For just over 200 calories, it's a respectable dish and tastier than anything I've ever had from SmartOnes or Lean Cuisine.

Was it filling? Yes, absolutely. I'm not good about eating enough veggies, this dish would be a good way to get your 5 a day.

Do I recommend it? Yes, absolutely if you enjoy Indian cuisine. If you haven't tried Indian, start with a Tikka Masala first to see if you like it.

Then you can progress from there. For $2.99 it isn't much more expensive than other freezer meals and it actually has flavor.

I encourage you to give it a try, but definitely have some rice handy on this one to supplement this entree.

Want to see more items I’ve reviewed from Trader Joe’s? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.

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