Saag Paneer

Your new favorite dish!

Saag Paneer is a traditional North Indian dish made with a blend of leafy greens (commonly spinach, and sometimes mustard greens) cooked down into a smooth, spiced purée, and combined with soft cubes of paneer, a fresh Indian cheese that holds its shape when cooked.

Ingredients:

• Spinach (fresh or frozen) – 1 lb (450g)
• Paneer – 200g to 250g (cut into cubes)
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic – 4 to 5 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1-inch piece, minced
• Tomato – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Garam masala – 1 tsp
• Ground coriander – 1 tsp
• Ground cumin – ½ tsp
• Turmeric – ¼ tsp
• Red chili powder – ¼ tsp (adjust to taste)
• Salt – to taste

Instructions-

Step 1: Prep the Greens

1. Wash 1 lb (450g) spinach
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the greens and blanch for 2–3 minutes.
3. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to preserve color.
4. Drain again and blend the greens into a coarse or smooth purée, depending on your texture preference. Set aside.

Step 2: Fry the Paneer

1. Cut paneer into cubes (~200–250g).
2. In a nonstick or cast iron pan, heat 1–2 tbsp oil or ghee over medium heat.
3. Lightly fry the paneer cubes until golden on all sides (optional).
4. Soak fried paneer in warm water for 10 minutes to keep it soft (optional), then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Saag Base

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan.
2. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté until golden brown.
4. Add 4–5 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch minced ginger. Cook until fragrant.
5. Add 1 chopped tomato and cook until soft and oil starts to separate.

Step 4: Add Spices

1. Add:
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• ¼ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
2. Sauté the spices for a minute or two.

Step 5: Add the Greens

1. Add the blended greens to the pan.
2. Stir well and cook for 5–10 minutes on medium-low heat, adding a little water if it gets too thick.
3. Add 1 tsp garam masala and 1–2 tbsp cream or yogurt (optional) for richness.

Step 6: Finish with Paneer

1. Gently fold in the paneer cubes.
2. Simmer for 5 more minutes to let flavors combine.

Step 7: Enjoy!

• Serve hot with naan, chapati, paratha, or basmati rice.