I am of the understanding that an authentic "Saag Paneer" dish is made with tender Mustard greens and Indian cottage cheese called "Paneer" cooked with just the right amount of spices. Since I don't find the mustard greens in the stores anywhere near my place, I always make do with Spinach. And trust me, Spinach is an excellent alternative. A mixture of mustard greens and spinach maybe used as well.
This is one of the very few dishes from the Indian cuisine that is totally irresistible and would even please a "picky eater" who doesn't care for an Indian fare.
Ingredients:
Enjoy!
This is one of the very few dishes from the Indian cuisine that is totally irresistible and would even please a "picky eater" who doesn't care for an Indian fare.
Ingredients:
- 1-1.5 lb Spinach Leaves (~9-10 Cups)
- 14 Oz Paneer Block, cut into cubes (I use the brand "Nanak" from Indian Stores)
- 1 Tsp Cumin seeds
- 2 Tbsp Store-bought or Home-made Ghee/Clarified Butter
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Thick Yogurt
- 1 Large Yellow Onion, roughly chopped
- 2 Medium Tomatoes. roughly chopped
- 4 Cloves Garlic, peeled
- 1" Ginger, peeled and chopped
- 3-4 Dry Red Chile
- 1 Tsp Fennel Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Cilantro, finely chopped
- Start off by washing the Spinach in several changes of cold water and drain it completely in a colander.Roughly chop the spinach and set aside.
- Add a tbsp of Olive Oil to a wide non-stick pan and lightly brown the Paneer cubes.
- Drain them on paper towels. Set aside.
- Add a tbsp of ghee to the same pan and fry all the ingredients except Cilantro under "For Grinding"
- Switch off the stove and add Cilantro.
- Cool and grind to a coarse mixture. Set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tbsp of Oil and Ghee. When warmed, add the cumin seeds and fry for a few seconds.
- Add the chopped spinach to the pan. Toss about the pan and cook just until it wilts.
- Quickly add the ground mixture plus salt for taste,give a stir and add the browned Paneer cubes.
- Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes and add a cup of thick yogurt.
- Stir gently and switch off the stove a couple of minutes later. Move it to the serving bowl and serve it with a steaming plate of rice or roti.
Enjoy!
my all time fav..looks yummy n v inviting...awesome click...!
ReplyDeleteI love it ..paneer and spinach is always great combo.. I love this kinda of sidedishes for rotis and rice anytime..
ReplyDeleteMustard greens are very easy to find here...will try this.
ReplyDeleteSaag paneer looks awesome lassie, just like the ones we get in restaurants...
ReplyDeleteMmm saag paneer is one of my absolute favorite Indian dishes! My goal over Christmas break is to make paneer from scratch so that I can make this! Thanks for inspiring me!
ReplyDeleteDelicious....
ReplyDeleteHi Cool
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing step by step preparation of Saag Paneer. It looks much different than the conventional Palak Paneer. Looks so tasty and delicious.
Great PIcs.
`Deepa
Hamaree Rasoi
Dear Lassie
ReplyDeleteHow are you? The sag paneer is traditionally cooked with palak only. Mustrad green and Bathua sag paste combo with paneer is also a great dish.
I like this variation of not grinding the palak ( I dont like the palak paste version) and giving a Fennel seasoning ..must try.
Will be off to the wilderness and Calcutta..so Merry Christmas and Happy New year in advance..see you next year
Looks awesome...
ReplyDeleteKurinji
wow nice dish.dear..I am drooling here.....
ReplyDeletelike how its not like the traditional creamy kind...love it if its all leafy leafy....nice one....looking delish!
ReplyDeletehealthy and delicious recipe.. nice presentation !!
ReplyDeleteWat a beautiful,delicious and healthy saag paneer, truly irresistible..
ReplyDeletethis sound so delicious!
ReplyDeleteI had tagged u in my blog, would like you to take the ball around rolling.
ReplyDeleteLove this combo so much..delicious and inviting
ReplyDeleteBaby spinach look tender and colorful. The saag is creamy, good alternative to mustard greens.
ReplyDeletewow..it looks so creamy and healthy...loved it.
ReplyDeletedelicious looks wonderful
ReplyDeletehappy holidays
Lovely :) Paneer is one of my favourite :)and this looks delicious :)
ReplyDeletethis looks so tasty love using spinach
ReplyDeletehappy new year
Rebecca