Just to confuse us again, Trader Joe’s has two products called Palak Paneer. This is the frozen variety and it’s a step up from the canned in a pouch kind.
If you have problems eating your spinach, try this. Keep your eyes closed, you’ll have a really difficult time knowing it’s spinach that’s moving past your taste buds.
This is actually very good. There’s a nice bit of heat that’s not overpowering. Along with the heat is a nice Indian flavor that you won’t confuse with anything from McDonald’s. Trader Joe claims the flavor is “curry”. Whatever it is, it’s a good flavor. There are big chunks of paneer mixed in with the spinach. If you’ll remember, paneer is fresh cheese. The firm paneer seems to have picked up the flavors from the mix. The paneer has a nice flavor pop in the mouth. The spinach is processed into what I’ll call, spinach lint. There are no leaves, rather a smooth fibrous paste. However, nowhere near as pasty as the “canned” version which was described as “volcanic mud”. In summary, the spinach is “linty” as opposed to “muddy”. The color is a much nicer lighter dark green also.
TJ claims there are 2 servings per container. I ate them both with no problem. I’m sure you’ll do the same. At 500 calories total per container, it’s not a bad lunch. You won’t need any accompaniments, such as rice or naan, with it to feel satisfied. Of course, if you have some, all the better. The salt content is high, 1600 mg of sodium per full container. That’s 2/3 of our daily requirement. TJ labels the product as “Vegetarian”, “No Gluten Ingredients Used” and “Quick Meal”.
For a quick work lunch, if you have a freezer available at work to store this in, this is a no-brainer decision over its canned in a pouch cousin. It will serve the same purpose at home.
Try these links for similar Trader Joe’s Indian meals: Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Tikka Masala.
Calories 500/container Price $2.99
Tags: box lunch, calories, exotic, food, frozen box lunches, indian, indian food, palak paneer, price, review, reviews, spinach, tj, tj's, trader joe's, vegetarian
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10/06/2020 at 08:54 |
I ate this a few days ago and am still feeling the effects. Indigestion and now gas! I don’t recommend it. But I love Trader Joe’s for other things.
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06/17/2020 at 19:33 |
I just learned that Trader Joe’s was discontinuing Palak Paneer. My
husband and I are so disappointed, we really love this product. We often use it as a base for adding chicken, vegetables, etc. Is there anywhere we can buy it ? I would appreciate any information.
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06/17/2020 at 20:49 |
Probably not under a Trader Joe brand. If you have an Indian, or Asian, or maybe even a mid-East grocery store locally, try there for a substitute. Nationally, Amy’s has a palak paneer which your local supermarket or Target might carry. Unfortunately, if Trader Joe’s drops this, it’s going to be difficult to find a replacement, especially at a TJ price.
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03/15/2016 at 13:47 |
I think someone at TJ’s saw the comments about it not being spicy and kicked it up a notch. I just tried it again, after not having it for a few months, and I think it is now much hotter than it used to be. Almost too hot for my liking, so I’ll have to pair it with some rice or something next time. If you thought it was too bland before, try the 2016 version!
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03/15/2016 at 14:53 |
Thanks. I’ll pick some up on my next visit there.
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08/19/2016 at 13:52 |
OMG!! Thank you I thought I was going crazy, it is way tooo spicy. This used to be perfect meal as baby (and toddler) food, and my child has been eaten this since she was 6 months, now she’s four and complains about not being able to eat it because it’s spicy. I’ve tried it too and I can barely eat it anymore.
I’m so upset that they just did that, like why would you just change something? ugh.
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01/28/2015 at 21:02 |
The frozen Palak Paneer tasted soooo good. I did not like the pouch version at all.
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03/21/2014 at 19:59 |
I really like it. It’s not as spicy as you usually get at an Indian restaurant, so if you’re into spicy, you will want to season it–maybe with a mint chutney, but if not, you will love it as is like I do!
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12/12/2011 at 15:22 |
I had a tough time, would not recommend to anyone. This has been consistent. It does not happen to me when trying the real dish in Indian restaurant,. Avoid Palak Paneer (Frozen)!
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