Saag Paneer

Golden cubes of paneer cheese in a creamy, gently spiced spinach sauce with ginger, garlic and garam masala. Vegetarian; serves 4.

Naturally gluten-freeVegetarianKetoLow-carbNo added sugar

Saag paneer with browned paneer cubes in creamy spinach sauce
  • Prep 15 min
  • Cook 25 min
  • Total 40 min
  • Yield 4 servings

Jump to: Ingredients | Instructions | Nutrition | Tips | Questions | Print recipe

Saag paneer pairs a smooth, green spinach sauce with cubes of paneer, the fresh Indian cheese that holds its shape when cooked.

Paneer is sold in most supermarkets and Indian grocers; browning it first gives it a light crust.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 12 ounces paneer, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 green chile, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

New to an ingredient? See Garam masala, Paneer, Turmeric in our kitchen glossary.

Instructions

  1. Brown the paneer. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet and brown the paneer on two sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Cook the aromatics. Add the remaining oil and cook the onion 6 to 8 minutes until golden. Add the garlic, ginger and chile for 1 minute, then the spices for 30 seconds.
  3. Cook the spinach. Add the spinach and water and simmer 5 minutes. Blend about half of it smooth with an immersion blender, or in a blender, and return to the pan.
  4. Finish. Stir in the cream and salt, add the paneer and simmer 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

490Calories
14 gCarbohydrates
4 gFiber
10 gNet carbs
27 gProtein
40 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

Naturally gluten-freeVegetarianKetoLow-carbNo added sugar

Tips

  • Soak store-bought paneer in hot water for 10 minutes before browning to make it softer.
  • Use firm tofu instead of paneer, and coconut cream instead of cream, for a vegan version.

Questions about this recipe

What is paneer?
A fresh, mild Indian cheese that does not melt, so it holds its shape in sauces.
Is saag paneer the same as palak paneer?
Palak means spinach; saag can include other greens such as mustard greens. At most restaurants they are similar.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: an off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer, or a cold lager. Wine pairing guide

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