Saag paneer is a delicious classic Indian dish of cooked spinach studded with cubes of fried paneer cheese.
Saag Paneer
- 3/4 pound paneer cheese (I use this recipe)
- ghee for deep frying
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1 1/2 small onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 medium tomatoes chopped
- 1 green chili chopped
- 1/2 pound fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp butter
- water (optional)
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
Cut paneer into 1-inch cubes, and set aside.
Add approximately 2 tbsp ghee to a skillet, and heat to medium-high heat. Add paneer cubes and cook until lightly golden on all sides.
Remove cubes and plunge cubes into boiling water. Drain after 5 minutes.
Place cubes in a bowl. Add yogurt and stir gently to coat, then set aside.
Add 4 tbsp ghee to a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chile flakes, and cayenne pepper. Cook until onions are translucent. Add a little water if the mixture begins to stick to the pan.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and green chile, and cook for 5 minutes.
Add spinach. Cover and cook 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool for 5-10 minutes.
Place mixture in a food processor and pulse until desired consistency is reached – do not puree.
Return the mixture to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add reserved paneer cubes and butter. Cook for 10 minutes on low.
Add water as necessary, if the mixture is sticking or getting too thick.
Remove from heat, add cream and serve.
We love this served with steamed rice and homemade naan (I use this recipe).
