The Best Homemade Saag Paneer Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Making saag paneer at home is easier than you think, and the results are incredibly satisfying. This recipe brings together creamy spinach, soft paneer cheese, and warm spices for a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. You’ll love how quick and simple it is to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The rich, creamy texture of the spinach paired with tender paneer is a match made in culinary heaven. Plus, it’s healthier than takeout, letting you enjoy a restaurant favorite without leaving your kitchen.

Recipe

Saag paneer is a classic Indian dish featuring tender paneer cheese in a creamy spinach sauce. This homemade version delivers authentic flavors with fresh ingredients and simple techniques.

Ingredients:

500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
200g paneer, cubed
2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ cup heavy cream or yogurt
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Blanch spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, then blend into a coarse paste.
Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them sizzle.
Sauté onions until golden, then add garlic, ginger, and green chili.
Stir in turmeric, coriander, and garam masala, cooking for 1 minute.
Add spinach paste and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Gently fold in paneer and cream, simmering for another 5 minutes.
Season with salt and serve hot.

Notes:

For extra richness, use homemade paneer.
Adjust spice levels by reducing or omitting green chili.

Equipment:

Blender
Large pan

Time:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Cuisine: Indian

Serving: 4

Nutrition

Saag Paneer is a nutrient-rich dish combining spinach and paneer, offering a balance of vitamins, calcium, and protein. Below is the nutrition breakdown per serving.

Calories: 350

Protein: 18g

Carbohydrates: 12g

Fat: 25g

Fiber: 4g

Calcium: 400mg

Iron: 3.5mg

Vitamin A: 6000IU

Vitamin C: 15mg

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade saag paneer with fluffy basmati rice to soak up all the creamy goodness, and garlic naan bread for that extra burst of flavor. The combination makes every bite feel like a complete meal, and it’s so satisfying. Trust me, you won’t want to miss pairing these sides with your saag paneer!

Fluffy Basmati Rice

Fluffy basmati rice is the perfect side for saag paneer, soaking up all that creamy, spiced goodness without overpowering the dish. I love how its light, fragrant grains balance the rich spinach and paneer, making each bite feel complete. Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch—this keeps it from clumping. A pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil in the boiling water adds just enough flavor. When it’s done, let it sit covered for a few minutes to steam, fluffing it with a fork before serving. Trust me, it’s worth the extra care for that perfect texture.

Garlic Naan Bread

Garlic naan bread’s warm, buttery aroma makes it an irresistible companion to saag paneer, adding a crisp, chewy contrast to the creamy spinach dish. I love tearing off a piece, letting the garlic flavor meld with the rich greens and paneer. Making naan at home feels rewarding—it’s soft, fluffy, and golden when brushed with butter. Sometimes I sprinkle cilantro or chili flakes for extra flair. It’s perfect for scooping up bites of saag paneer or wiping the plate clean. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine one without the other. They’re a match made in Indian food heaven.