saag paneer

This is what I order every time I eat in an Indian restaurant. I always have the intention of trying something new, but I don’t like change. So, when the waiter looks at me, pen poised, I always utter the same words. “…And I’ll have a saag paneer, taka dhal and a chapati, please. Oh and I’ll just share Jamie’s rice.” (Jamie scowls.)

This isn’t the first time I’ve had a go at making saag paneer, though – I’ve made it once before the more traditional way, using a ton of fresh wilted spinach, drained and squeezed by hand – but I ain’t got time for that these days, far too hungry. So I came up with this quicker, less labour-intensive version (#storyofmylife).

Saag paneer with kale
Serves 4 / Hands on time 50 mins / Total time 50 min / V ❄

You’ll need: A hand blender or food processor, kitchen roll
1 tbs rapeseed oil

500g paneer, cut into chunks

1 white onion, peeled and chopped
½ tsp sea salt flakes
Knob of ginger (1 inch), grated

5 garlic cloves, peeled roughly chopped
1 green chilli, de-seeded

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground turmeric

½ tsp ground fenugreek

½ tsp garam masala
500ml vegetable stock, I use 1 Knorr vegetable stock pot

150g spinach leaves

150g kale, roughly chopped

Handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
To serve
Lime wedges, chapatis, brown basmati rice

Method
1. Slice the paneer into chunks and fry in batches in the rapeseed oil over a medium to high heat in a casserole dish with a lid (the paneer can spit a bit so you may need to cover with the lid). Once the paneer has browned on all sides, remove from the pan and leave to drain on kitchen roll. Put to one side.
2. In the same casserole dish, add the chopped onion and a dash more oil and the salt. Give it a mix before covering with a lid and cook on a medium heat until soft – around 10 mins. Add a dash of water to the onions if needed halfway through to help them steam.
3. Add the garlic, fresh ginger and the chopped green chilli. Cook for a further few minutes before adding all the spices. Add a dash of water to help loosen the spices a bit and to stop them from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook for a further 5 mins.

4. Add the stock and give it a good stir before adding the spinach in batches. Once wilted, add the kale and continue to cook until the kale has softened. Remove from the heat and blend with a hand blender until smooth.

5. Return the sauce to a medium to high heat and add the paneer. Bring to the boil and cook for 5 mins or until the paneer has softened. Serve immediately with rice, chapatis and lime wedges.

If you’ve had a go at making any of my recipes, I’d love to hear from you. Follow me now @corrieheale and tag your recipe pictures using #corriesrabbitfood.

V– Vegetarian ❄ – Freeze the fried paneer and curry sauce separately. Defrost before combing and heating through until piping hot. Consume within 3 months.