Saag Paneer

You want some healthy, delicious shit? Something that will tickle your tastebuds to the nth degree?? Saag Paneer is it! This crazy delicious, spice packed, nutrition fueled Indian classic is sure to please as either an amazing side dish or a filling vegetarian main!

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp tumeric
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 12 oz of paneer, cut into 1/2″ cubes
• 5 tbsp vegetable or canola oil, divided
• 16 oz fresh spinach, chopped
• 1″ ginger, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, diced
• 1/2 green serano or anaheim chili, diced (optional)
• 2 tsp garam marsala
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or heavy cream, depending on preference

Steps:

1. Mix together the tumeric, chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 3 tbsp vegetable oil in large bowl
2. Add in the paneer cubes and gently toss in the spices – set aside and allow to marinade for as long as possible (if you have the foresight, even marinade them overnight!)
3. Put a large skillet over medium heat and add the paneer – cook until each side of the paneer cubes are lightly browned, then remove from the skillet into a bowl
4. Add remaining 1-2 tbsp oil into the skillet and add in the ginger, garlic, and diced chili and cook until all ingredients lightly browned – about 1 minute (be careful not to burn the garlic!)
5. Add in the garam marsala and cumin and cook until the spices are toasted – 30 seconds or so
6. Add in the chopped spinach along with a dash of salt and 1/2 cup of water, and stir to fully coat the spinach (be careful about the water splatter!)
7. Cook until the spinach begins to soften down, about 3-5 minutes
8. Add in the yogurt (or heavy cream) slowly, stirring consistently to blend the ingredients
9. Add the paneer back in and cook until the complete dish is heated through, just a few minutes
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!