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Indian Saag Paneer
Saag Paneer is a cherished Indian dish that combines the earthy flavors of fresh spinach with the rich, creamy texture of paneer cheese. This vibrant dish not only delights the palate but also showcases the stunning colors of Indian cuisine, symbolizing its rich culinary heritage. Traditionally enjoyed with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice, Saag Paneer is a comforting dish that warms the soul and brings the essence of India into your kitchen. Its origins can be traced back to the northern regions of India, where fresh greens are abundant, making it a popular choice for home-cooked meals and festive gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach
- 4 cups, washed and chopped
- Paneer cheese
- 1 cup, cubed
- Fresh cream
- 1/2 cup
- Vegetable oil or ghee
- 2 tablespoons
- Salt
- to taste
- Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon
- Green chili
- 1, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- Tomato
- 1 medium, chopped
- Fresh ginger
- 1 inch, grated
- Garlic
- 3 cloves, minced
- Onion
- 1 medium, finely chopped
Instructions
- Begin by blanching the fresh spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes to lock in its vibrant green color. Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, blend the spinach until smooth and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter, releasing their aromatic oils into the oil.
- Stir in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion turns golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped tomato and finely chopped green chili to the pan. Cook until the tomato softens and melds into the mixture, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the onion-tomato mixture.
- Pour in the blended spinach and stir. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Gently fold in the cubed paneer and season with salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the rich flavors of the dish.
- Finally, stir in the fresh cream, cooking for another 2 minutes until the dish becomes creamy and luscious.
- Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of cream if desired, alongside warm naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.
Tips
- For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- For a vegan version, substitute paneer with tofu and replace fresh cream with coconut cream.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Calories: 320 Fat: 20g Carbs: 22g Protein: 12g Sodium: 300mg Sugar: 5g
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