How to make Saag Paneer at home

If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, Saag Paneer is a must-try dish that combines the earthy goodness of spinach with the richness of paneer (Indian cheese). Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a hearty meal, Saag Paneer offers a delicious and comforting option that’s packed with flavors and nutrients.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making Saag Paneer from scratch, using both store-bought and homemade paneer options. We’ll also discuss how to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences, including how to make Saag Paneer with yogurt for a creamy, tangy twist.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore this iconic Indian spinach dish and learn how to cook it with easy-to-follow instructions and tips.

What is Saag Paneer?

Saag Paneer is a popular vegetarian curry from India made with paneer, a soft, mild Indian cheese, and spinach (or other leafy greens, but spinach is the most common). The dish is simmered in a flavorful, spiced gravy made from onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the balance of flavors—the slightly nutty paneer, the earthy spinach, and the rich, fragrant spices make for a delightful combination. It’s typically served with naan, roti, or rice, making it a wholesome meal for lunch or dinner.

Why You Should Try This Easy Saag Paneer Recipe

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this Saag Paneer recipe is easy to follow and perfect for anyone who loves Indian food. Here’s why:

• Quick & Simple: The recipe requires minimal preparation, with only 10 minutes of prep time.
• Healthy & Nutrient-Rich: Packed with spinach and paneer, it provides a good dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the spices to suit your heat tolerance and flavor preferences.
• Vegetarian Delight: A great choice for vegetarian curry lovers.

Ingredients for the Perfect Saag Paneer

To make this Indian cheese curry, you’ll need a few staple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:

Spices & Seasonings:

• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garam masala (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin

Oil:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying the paneer)

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces paneer, cut into 1-inch cubes (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (or fresh spinach)
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
• 1-inch ginger, peeled and minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large green serrano chile, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt, stirred until smooth (optional for a creamier texture)

How to Make Saag Paneer: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Saag Paneer at home is simpler than it sounds. Follow these steps to create this flavorful dish:

Step 1: Marinate the Paneer

Start by marinating the paneer cubes to give them extra flavor:

1. In a bowl, mix turmeric, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and 3 tablespoons of oil.
2. Add the paneer cubes to the bowl and gently toss to coat them evenly in the marinade.
3. Set the paneer aside to marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients (about 10 minutes).

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach

Spinach is the star of Saag Paneer, so you’ll want to make it smooth and creamy:

1. Thaw the frozen spinach in the microwave for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can defrost it on the stove or leave it out at room temperature.
2. Once thawed, puree the spinach in a food processor until smooth, or finely chop it if you prefer a more textured dish.

Step 3: Fry the Paneer

Next, you’ll fry the marinated paneer cubes to create a crispy exterior:

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the marinated paneer cubes and fry for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
3. Flip the cubes and cook for another minute before removing them from the skillet. Set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, you’ll sauté the onions, ginger, garlic, and chile to build the flavor base:

1. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.
2. Add the onions, ginger, garlic, and chile. Sauté for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes toffee-colored. This step is key to developing rich flavors.
3. If the mixture starts to dry out, add a couple of tablespoons of water to prevent burning.

Step 5: Add the Spices and Spinach

Now, it’s time to add the aromatic spices and spinach:

1. Stir in the garam masala, coriander, and cumin. Cook for another 3-5 minutes to release the fragrance of the spices.
2. Add the pureed spinach, along with some salt and about 1/2 cup of water. Stir to combine and let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes with the lid off.

Step 6: Add Yogurt and Paneer

For a rich, creamy texture, add the yogurt and paneer:

1. Turn off the heat and slowly mix in the yogurt to the spinach mixture, stirring gently to prevent curdling.
2. Add the fried paneer cubes and stir carefully to combine.
3. Turn the heat back on and cover the pan. Let the dish cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serving Your Saag Paneer

Serve your Saag Paneer hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice for a complete meal. Garnish with a dollop of plain yogurt or fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Pro Tips for the Best Saag Paneer

• Paneer: Making homemade paneer is easy and adds a richer texture to the dish. Check out the recipe below to create your own paneer from scratch!
• Yogurt: For a creamier Saag Paneer, use Greek yogurt or a full-fat variety.
• Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. If you love heat, leave the seeds in the serrano chile. For a milder dish, remove them.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach can also be used, but it may need more cooking time to break down. Frozen spinach is a convenient option and saves time.

How to Make Homemade Paneer (Optional)

If you want to make your Saag Paneer with homemade paneer, here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 8 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions:

1. Bring the milk to a gentle boil in a wide pot over medium heat.
2. Add the lemon juice and lower the heat. Stir gently until the curds separate from the whey.
3. Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined colander and rinse with cold water to remove the lemon flavor.
4. Squeeze out excess liquid and press the curds into a block.
5. Let the cheese drain for about 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

Your Saag Paneer is Ready to Enjoy!

Congratulations, you’ve just made a flavorful, comforting Saag Paneer! Whether you’ve used store-bought or homemade paneer, the result is a rich, creamy dish that’s perfect for any meal. Serve it with your favorite Indian bread or rice for a satisfying, nutrient-packed dish.

If you’re craving more delicious Indian comfort food recipes, don’t forget to check out our other vegetarian curries, like Paneer Butter Masala and Aloo Gobi!

FAQs

Q1: Can I make Saag Paneer without yogurt? Yes! If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can omit the yogurt or substitute it with coconut milk for a creamy texture.

Q2: Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh spinach will work just as well, though it will take a bit longer to cook down.

Q3: How do I store leftover Saag Paneer? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.