Healthy Saag Paneer Recipe – My Favourite Way to Enjoy Paneer

Saag Paneer is hands down my favorite way to use paneer! I love how it combines creamy, delicious paneer with nutrient-packed greens like spinach or kale, creating a dish that’s not only filling but also full of flavor and goodness. It may look like there are a lot of ingredients, but most of them are simple spices you likely already have in your pantry. And trust me, these spices are what make this dish so rich, fragrant, and downright delicious.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own paneer at home—find my simple recipe for homemade paneer [here]. But if you’re pressed for time, store-bought paneer works just as well. And if you want to make this recipe even easier, feel free to use frozen spinach instead of fresh—it’s a great shortcut without sacrificing flavor or nutrients.

What you need

• 2 cups paneer, cubed
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large bunch of spinach (or 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• ½ cup coconut milk or yogurt (optional for creaminess)
• Salt to taste
• Lemon juice for finishing
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

What you do

1. Blanch the Greens (Skip if Using Frozen): If using fresh greens, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the spinach (or any greens) for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain and rinse under cold water to keep the greens vibrant. Puree the greens and set aside. If using frozen spinach, simply thaw and drain it, then proceed to pureeing it without the blanching step.
2. Sauté the Paneer: Heat the oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry until they’re golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside. The golden, crispy edges give the paneer that perfect texture!
3. Cook the Base: In the same pan, sauté the onions until soft and golden. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chilies, cooking until fragrant.
4. Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala, toasting the spices for about a minute. Don’t skip this step—it’s what makes the dish so aromatic and flavorful!
5. Mix in the Greens: Add the pureed greens (whether fresh or frozen) and stir well to combine. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly. The greens soak up all the lovely spices, making each bite rich and flavorful.
6. Optional Creaminess: If you like a creamier dish, stir in some coconut milk or yogurt. I personally love using coconut milk for its velvety texture.
7. Add Paneer: Gently fold in the paneer cubes, letting them simmer in the greens for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
8. Finish and Serve: Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Why I Love This Recipe

This dish is hearty, comforting, and loaded with nutrients from the greens, plus the paneer adds a satisfying dose of protein. Using frozen spinach is a great time-saver without losing any of the flavor. I don’t find I need or crave any other carbs with this dish, but you can pair Saag Paneer with warm naan, whole grain rice or quinoa for a nourishing meal, if you choose.

This recipe is a perfect example of how easy it can be to get a nutritious, flavorful meal on the table with a few key ingredients—even if you’re short on time!