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!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
Video
Notes
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.
Nutrition
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