Saag Paneer (Indian Greens and Cheese)
Saag Paneer is a delicious Indian paneer curry with spinach and greens. Try this authentic, easy recipe that rivals an Indian restaurant!
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Paneer spinach curry, Saag Paneer
Servings: 4
- 1 lb spinach (Or a mix of spinach with other greens)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 4 tbsp ghee or butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 inch piece of ginger finely minced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp fenugreek powder or curry powder
- 3 tbsp cream or yogurt
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt or more, to taste
- 12 oz paneer in 1/2 inch cubes
Place greens in a blender or food processor a little at a time, drizzling it with the boiling water as you go so it wilts and you can fit it all in. Process until very finely chopped, but not pureed. Set aside.
Heat ghee or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and half the salt; cook, stirring often, until very soft and golden. Reduce the heat if onions are browning - low and slow is the goal.
Add the ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the turmeric, cumin and fenugreek powder and cook 1 minute more.
Stir in the spinach (and/or other greens), bring to a simmer, then add cream or yogurt, lemon juice and remaining salt.
Gently stir in paneer and heat through.
Substitutions for cream: Instead of whipping cream, you can use thick greek yogurt or coconut milk. Just don't swap in regular milk or half-and-half cream, as the acid will make it curdle.
A trick to make storebought paneer tastier: commercial paneer can vary widely in how much salt and flavor it has. Take a taste. If it tastes bland, try this flavor booster: cube the paneer and saute it first in a tablespoon or two of melted butter or ghee. Sprinkle with a little salt as it cooks. Transfer it to a plate while you finish the recipe in the same pan.
Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 462mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 13467IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 575mg | Iron: 3mg