Saag Paneer

Saag paneer is a classic Indian dish of cooked spinach studded with cubes of fried paneer cheese. Thickened with cream or coconut milk, it’s a hearty and filling vegetarian meal.

Vegetarian prep15 mins cook45 mins total time1 hr servings4 calories299 addedDecember 2022

• 2 bunches spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup fenugreek leaves, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
• ½ pound paneer, cubed
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• Salt to taste

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil; add spinach and fenugreek and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Drain well; transfer to a food processor and blend until finely chopped, about 5 pulses.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add paneer cubes and fry until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer paneer onto a plate.
3. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons canola oil in the same skillet over medium heat; add cumin seeds and fry until lightly toasted and aromatic, about 3 minutes. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and stir to coat. Stir in tomato, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper; cook until tomato breaks down, stirring often, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in pureed spinach mixture, paneer cubes, and cream; add salt to taste. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tips

• You can substitute coconut milk for the cream.

Nutrition

calories299 total fat20g total carbohydrates18g protein17g