Served in restaurants as an addition to a South Asian meal, saag paneer can be made at home as well. You can delight family and friends with this traditional dish.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne
- Kosher salt
- 4 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 12 ounces paneer (Indian cheese, either store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (16-ounce package) frozen chopped spinach
- 1 medium white onion, chop finely
- 1 (1-inch thumb) ginger, peeled and minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large green serrano chilli, finely chopped and seeds removed for less spice
- 1/2 tsp store-bought or homemade garam masala
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt, stir smoothly
METHOD
- Mix or whisk together turmeric, cayenne salt and 3 tablespoons of oil. Gently add paneer and toss, without breaking cubes. Let cubes marinate.
- Thaw spinach. Puree or chop until it is fine.
- Heat non-stick skillet until warm and add paneer. Toss and brown on one side.
- Add remaining oil, then add the onions, ginger, garlic and chilli. Saute until the color of toffee, about 15 minutes. Add water if needed.
- Add garam masala, coriander and cumin. Add water to keep spices from burning. Cook about 3 to 5 minutes, until it smells quite fragrant.
- Add spinach and stir until blended. Add salt and 1/2 cu. of water. Cook with lid off for 5 minutes.
- Turn heat off. Add yogurt, a little at a time. Mix with spinach and paneer and once mixed, turn heat back on. Cook for 5 minutes. Then serve.
You can also find an authentic saag paneer recipe here, along with a video.
The Saag Paneer Cheese
You can find this cheese at your local supermarket or South Asian food store. The cheese adds protein to the spinach dish, as well as flavor and texture. You can also make it yourself, with some easy steps.
Watch this video if you wish to make the paneer at home
