Easy Saag Paneer
Make authentic Saag Paneer at home with this easy recipe. Creamy spinach curry with paneer cheese, ready in 55 minutes. Vegetarian and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 12 ounces paneer cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green chilis, sliced lengthwise
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
Instructions
- 1
Blanch the chopped spinach in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender, then transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
- 2
Drain the cooled spinach thoroughly and blend with 1/4 cup reserved spinach cooking water until you reach a smooth puree, then set aside.
- 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 4
Add the diced onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn soft and golden brown at the edges.
- 5
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until the raw aroma mellows and becomes fragrant.
- 6
Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down and release their juices.
- 7
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- 8
Pour the spinach puree into the pan and stir well to combine with the aromatics and spices, cooking for 2 minutes over medium heat.
- 9
Reduce heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring gently to create a smooth sauce without lumps.
- 10
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed for your preference.
- 11
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee in a separate small skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- 12
Carefully add the paneer cubes to the hot ghee and pan-fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown on all surfaces, working in batches if needed.
- 13
Gently fold the golden paneer cubes into the simmering spinach sauce, being careful not to break them apart.
- 14
Simmer the curry uncovered for 5-7 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach your desired consistency.
- 15
Finish by sprinkling garam masala over the top and garnishing with fresh cilantro and sliced green chilis, then serve immediately with warm naan or basmati rice.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cream | Greek yogurt or full-fat coconut milk | Greek yogurt adds probiotics for gut health while coconut milk provides healthy fats with a lower overall calorie count than heavy cream |
| Ghee | Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil | These oils contain more polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds while reducing saturated fat intake |
| Whole milk | Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | Plant-based alternatives reduce dairy intake and are easier to digest for some people while keeping calories lower |
| Regular paneer | Firm tofu or homemade cottage cheese | These alternatives provide similar protein content with easier digestibility and added probiotic benefits from fermented cottage cheese |
| Whole spinach base | 50% spinach and 50% Swiss chard or kale | Mixed greens increase mineral density and fiber content while providing additional anti-inflammatory benefits from cruciferous vegetables |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 328 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 58mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 24g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
