Easy Saag Paneer

4.6

(5)

4 Reviews

The paneer cheese in this fast and easy recipe doesn't melt when it cooks. It browns instead, giving a toothsome texture to this Indian classic packed with spinach and spices.

Hilary Meyer

Updated on September 19, 2023

Reviewed by Dietitian

Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Prep Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Servings:

Yield:

4 servings

Nutrition Profile:

High-Calcium Bone-Health Nut-Free Healthy Pregnancy Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Soy-Free Vegetarian High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free Low-Calorie

Jump to Nutrition Facts

What Is Paneer Cheese?

Paneer is a fresh cheese common in the Indian subcontinent made from cow or buffalo milk. Paneer is a non-melting cheese that retains its shape when cooked. It's white in color, has a firm texture and is mild in flavor.

How to Make Saag Paneer

Use Fresh Ginger

When buying fresh ginger, it should feel firm to the touch with smooth skin. Our favorite way to peel ginger is with a spoon. You can store peeled ginger in an airtight bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Use Garam Masala

Garam masala is a ground spice blend originating from India that typically includes black pepper, white pepper, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, mace, cardamom, cumin, fennel, red chili powder and coriander. You can find garam masala in the spice section of most grocery stores or online.

How to Serve Saag Paneer

We like to serve saag paneer over brown basmati rice to round out this healthy meal. Basmati rice is a signature grain in Indian cuisine that is found in white and brown varieties. This long-grain rice has a popcorn-like aroma and slightly nutty flavor. Here are tips on how to cook brown rice perfectly. You can also serve saag paneer over cauliflower rice.

Additional reporting by Jan Valdez

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

8 ounces paneer cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
20 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and finely chopped
¾ teaspoon salt
2 cups low-fat plain yogurt

Directions

Toss paneer with turmeric in a medium bowl until coated. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the paneer and cook, flipping once, until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add onion and jalapeño (if using) and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 7 to 8 minutes. (If the pan seems dry during cooking, add a little water, 2 tablespoons at a time.) Add garlic, ginger, garam masala and cumin. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add spinach and salt. Cook, stirring, until hot, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in yogurt and paneer.

Equipment

Large nonstick skillet

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, February 2018; updated October 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

382	Calories
24g	Fat
19g	Carbs
25g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 382
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 19g	7%
Dietary Fiber 5g	16%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 25g	49%
Total Fat 24g	31%
Saturated Fat 12g	59%
Cholesterol 64mg	21%
Vitamin A 17159IU	343%
Vitamin C 10mg	12%
Folate 223mcg	56%
Sodium 641mg	28%
Calcium 700mg	54%
Iron 3mg	17%
Magnesium 130mg	31%
Potassium 815mg	17%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.