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Saag Paneer

The vegetarian Indian spinach dish with a native cheese known as paneer.

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • Kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 tablespoons safflower oil
  • 12 ounces paneer I used a little more
  • 1 16-ounce package frozen chopped spinach
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 green serrano chile finely chopped - seeds removed
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup plain fat-free yogurt

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the turmeric, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 3 tablespoons of the oil.
  • Cut the paneer into 1" cubes.
  • Drop in the cubed of paneer and gently toss.
  • Let the cubes marinate while for 10 minutes or so while the rest of your ingredients are prepped.
  • Thaw the spinach in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish - about 5 minutes.
  • Then puree in a food processor until smooth.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat, and add add the paneer as the pan warms. Be patient. Let the paneer brown - about 2 minutes. Flipped lightly and fry for another minute.
  • Remove the paneer from the pan and set aside.
  • Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil to the pan. Add the onions, ginger, garlic and chile.
  • Saute the mixture until it starts to turn a brownish color. This will take 10 to 15 minutes. If the mixture gets dry, add a couple of tablespoons of water to prevent from burning.
  • Add the garam masala, coriander and cumin. Add a little water to keep the spices from burning. Cook, stirring often.
  • The spices will get sweeter - about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the spinach and stir well, incorporating the spiced onion mixture into the spinach. Add a little salt and 1/2 cup of water, stir, and cook about 5 minutes with the lid off. You want the water to burn off.
  • Turn the heat off. Add the yogurt, a little at a time to keep it from curdling.
  • Once the yogurt is fully absorbed and mixed well, add the paneer.
  • Turn the heat back on, cover and cook until everything is warmed through, about 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!