Authentic Saag Paneer

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings

Description

Saag paneer is a classic Indian dish of cooked spinach studded with cubes of fried paneer cheese for a hearty, flavorful, and filling vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

2 bunches spinach, roughly chopped
1 bunch fenugreek leaves, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1/2 pound paneer, cubed
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tomato, diced
2 teaspoons garam masala
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
salt to taste

Directions

1 Gather all ingredients.
2 Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil; add spinach and fenugreek and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Drain well.
3 Transfer to a food processor and blend until finely chopped, about 5 pulses.
4 Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add paneer cubes and fry until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer paneer onto a plate.
5 Heat remaining 2 tablespoons canola oil in the same skillet over medium heat; add cumin seeds and fry until lightly toasted and aromatic, about 3 minutes.
6 Add onion; cook and stir until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and stir to coat.
7 Stir in tomato, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper; cook until tomato breaks down, stirring often, about 10 minutes.
8 Stir in pureed spinach mixture, paneer cubes, and cream; add salt to taste.
9 Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.