This dish became popular in the United States as Palak (spinach) Paneer. Saag Paneer is more flexible. You can use and combine any green leaves you like. Paneer is an Indian fresh cheese that doesn’t melt easily. Its taste is similar to unsalted cottage cheese. We included in this recipe plenty of options to substitute paneer for an even delicious dish.
18ozbaby leaves from kale, spinach, chard, and/ or collard greens*
12ozpaneer or halloumicut into 1/2 inch cubes
1onionfinely chopped or grated
butter or vegetable oil or ghee
salt & pepper
Saag Paneer Culinary Spice Kit
Cumin, coriander, garlic, turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, white pepper
Optional
1-2green chilieschopped
additional garlic to tastegrated
1-2tsplemon juice
1-4tbspheavy cream or yogurt
Suggested Sides
naan or other fresh flatbread
cooked Basmati rice
boiled potatoes
Instructions
Prepare
In a large POT, bring 4 quarts of water to boil.
Add leaves and cook for 3 minutes.
Drain and let cool.
In a FOOD PROCESSOR, grind leaves with a cup of water into a smooth puree.
Optionally, add green chilies.
Cook
In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat.
Fry onions with a dash of salt until they turn translucent.
Stir in Saag Paneer spices.
Optionally, add garlic to taste.
Add leaves puree and salt & pepper to taste.
If using tofu, chicken, or garbanzo beans, add them now.
Add some water if you like the dish more liquid. Mix well.
Cook 5 minutes over medium-low heat.
Add paneer cubes. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
Optional
Optionally, finish the dish to taste with lemon juice, and/ or heavy cream or yogurt.
Serve
Serve with bread, rice, or over potatoes.
Enjoy!
Notes
* Alternatively, use 3 bunch of green leaves, chopped.Tip▪ Fry paneer shortly before adding it to the dish.Variations▪ Substitute paneer with feta or cottage cheese. Don’t cook it. Add it to the plated dish.▪ Substitute paneer with 1 lb cubed chicken or tofu, or 1 can garbanzo beans. Season & fry them shortly before adding them to the dish.