Saag (Palek) Paneer

Vegetarian, Weeknight

Ingredients

Spinach – 1, 16oz pkt chopped, frozen (about 1/2 kg)

Paneer– 7 oz or 200 g, cubed

Oil – 3 tbsp

Onions – 2 med, minced

Ginger – 1″ pc, minced

Garlic – 4 cloves, minced

Water – 1/2 cup

Tomatoes – 2 large or 1, 14oz can diced (pureed)

Garam Masala – 2 tsp

Cumin Powder – 1 tsp

Coriander Powder – 2 tsp

Red Chili Powder – to taste

Salt – to taste

Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp

Heavy Whipping Cream – 8 tbsp or to taste

Milk – to taste (optional)

Directions

Prep garlic, ginger, onion, etc.

Cook frozen Spinach with 1/2 cup water in a microwave safe dish for 7-8 minutes stirring in between. Blend cooked Spinach to desired texture (avoid over-blending).

Meanwhile, In a non-stick frying pan, heat 1 tbsp Oil. Add in the paneer cubes and let them cook till they are golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan into a plate with paper towel to soak the excess oil. Optional: In a couple of minutes, pour the Paneer into a bowl of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Heat 2tbs oil in a medium non-stick pan over high heat. Once Oil is hot, add in the minced Onions, stir, cover and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the Ginger and Garlic and mix. Cook for another 4-5 minutes.

Add in the tomatoes, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Keep stirring frequently as the mixture tends to burn very fast.

Add the spinach, Garam Masala, cumin, coriander, salt, chili powder, and turmeric. Mix well and cook for 3-5 minutes.

Add in the desired amount of cream and/or milk. Mix and cook for another few minutes.

Add paneer and gently mix. Serve hot with rice.

Notes

Health tip- some great substitutes for Heavy Whipping Cream are Milk, Soymilk, Lactaid, Half and Half or Evaporated Milk.