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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Saag Paneer

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:
  • 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
For Grinding:
  • 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
Procedure:
  • 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.
    Makes ~4-5 Servings.

    Enjoy!

    21 comments:

    1. my all time fav..looks yummy n v inviting...awesome click...!

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    2. I love it ..paneer and spinach is always great combo.. I love this kinda of sidedishes for rotis and rice anytime..

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    3. Mustard greens are very easy to find here...will try this.

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    4. Saag paneer looks awesome lassie, just like the ones we get in restaurants...

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    5. Mmm 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!

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    6. Hi Cool

      Thanks 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

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    7. Dear Lassie
      How 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

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    8. like how its not like the traditional creamy kind...love it if its all leafy leafy....nice one....looking delish!

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    9. healthy and delicious recipe.. nice presentation !!

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    10. Wat a beautiful,delicious and healthy saag paneer, truly irresistible..

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    11. I had tagged u in my blog, would like you to take the ball around rolling.

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    12. Love this combo so much..delicious and inviting

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    13. Baby spinach look tender and colorful. The saag is creamy, good alternative to mustard greens.

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    14. wow..it looks so creamy and healthy...loved it.

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    15. Lovely :) Paneer is one of my favourite :)and this looks delicious :)

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    16. this looks so tasty love using spinach

      happy new year

      Rebecca

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    Thanks a bunch for your valuable comments and continued support.They are very much appreciated. Yes,like "Rain on Dry Land" and like "Oasis in Desert Sand".
    XoXo, Cool Lassi(e)