Saag Paneer

Saag Paneer is a traditional and very nutritious meal made from spinach and paneer which is an unripened fresh cheese that does not melt. You can find paneer at most Indian grocery stores as well as at some larger grocery retailers.

350 g fresh spinach
400 g paneer (available at Indian grocery stores)
2 tbsp Jaswant’s Kitchen Tadka Masala
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp ginger (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp crushed chili (optional - to increase heat)
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp Jaswant’s Kitchen Garam Masala

Whole Spices

1 tsp cumin seeds
2 pods green cardamom
4 cloves
1” stick cinnamon
1 pod black cardamom

Wash spinach in a container full of water two or three times until no sand is seen at the bottom of water. Spin dry and mince in a food processor. Set aside.

Remove paneer from package. Cut into ½ inch cubes.

Heat the oil in a heavy base pot on medium high heat. Add whole spices, keep stirring until golden and fragrant. Add ginger and garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes. Add chili if using, salt and Jaswant’s Kitchen Tadka Masala. Stir and add 3 tbsp water. Add tomato paste and fry for 1 minute. Add the paneer pieces and mix well to coat with masala. Add the spinach, mix gently and cover. Lower heat to medium low. Cook for about 20 minutes. Remove lid and raise the temperature to medium high again to let any remaining water evaporate. Finish with Jaswant’s Kitchen Garam Masala, mix and serve with chapati, naan or rice.

Makes 4-6 servings

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 30 min