Classic Saag Paneer: A Vibrant Indian Spinach and Cheese Delight
45 minutes
1211 reads

About Classic Saag Paneer: A Vibrant Indian Spinach and Cheese Delight
Dive into a bowl of vibrant green goodness with our authentic Saag Paneer! This classic Indian dish boasts creamy paneer cheese swimming in a luscious spinach sauce, bursting with flavor.We use fresh greens and a fragrant blend of spices to create a truly unforgettable Saag Paneer experience. Imagine the rich aroma filling your kitchen as you simmer this comforting dish to perfection.Whether it's a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, our easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying Saag Paneer every time.
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Saag
- 1/4 bunch Radish Greens
- 1/4 bunch Mustard Greens
- 1/4 bunch Fenugreek methi leaves
- 1/4 bunch Spinach
- 1/4 cup Gram Leaves choliya/hara chana, green
- 1/4 bunch Amaranth leaves
- 1 handful Coriander
- 10-15 leaves Holy Basil tulsi
- 7 leaves Curry Leaves
For the Paneer and Gravy
- 1 Tbsp Chili Paste green
- 1/2 cup Onion finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Paste
- 1 Tbsp Ginger Paste
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon ground
- 1 pinch Nutmeg ground
- 1 tsp Pepper black
- 1/2 cup Yogurt
- 2 Tbsp Heavy Cream
- 1 Tbsp Cashew Paste
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese cubed
- 1-2 tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash all the greens, ensuring no dirt or insects remain. This is crucial for food safety and the best flavor.
- Roughly chop the radish greens, mustard greens, fenugreek leaves, spinach, green gram leaves, and amaranth leaves.
- Blanch the chopped greens in boiling water for a minute or two. This helps retain their vibrant color and reduces bitterness. Immediately plunge the blanched greens into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, combine the blanched greens, cilantro, holy basil, curry leaves, and a splash of water in a food processor. Pulse until a smooth paste forms.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides. This adds a delicious texture to the dish. Remove the paneer and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Then, add the ginger and garlic pastes. Cook until fragrant, about a minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the blended saag paste to the pan and stir well to combine with the onion-ginger-garlic mixture.
- Stir in the plain yogurt and cashew paste. This adds a creamy richness to the saag.
- Add the ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. These warm spices enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Gently fold in the fried paneer cubes. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Your Saag Paneer is ready! Serve hot with paratha, kulcha, phulka, or rice.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- To make paneer soft after frying, add a pinch of salt to warm water and soak the sauteed paneer until you use it in the gravy.
- To make cashew paste, soak 10-12 cashews in 3 tablespoons of warm water for 30 minutes, then pulse 5-6 times in a blender with the same soaked water.
- To clean green leaves, chop the roots, soak the leaves in a large bowl of water, shake a few times, and lift the leaves out. The dirt will settle at the bottom. Repeat as needed.
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, use homemade paneer.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a dollop of cream or yogurt before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover palak paneer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Also See
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 662kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 25gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 1233mgPotassium: 513mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 660IUVitamin C: 79mgCalcium: 649mgIron: 3mg
4 Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.









What a flavorful dish! Thanks for sharing.
Superb recipe!! Never though about mixing so many varieties of greens
Absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.