🥬 Saag Paneer Recipe | Authentic Indian Spinach Paneer Curry

If you love Indian vegetarian recipes, you’ll adore this Saag Paneer — a creamy, flavorful curry made with fresh spinach leaves and soft, golden-fried paneer cubes. This healthy Indian curry is loaded with nutrients, protein, and rich spices, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Often confused with Palak Paneer, Saag Paneer is traditionally made with a mix of leafy greens — spinach, mustard greens, and fenugreek leaves — giving it a deeper, more earthy flavor. It’s a staple in Punjabi cuisine and a winter favorite across India.

🛒 Ingredients for Saag Paneer

🌿 For the Saag (Spinach Curry Base):

• Fresh spinach leaves – 500 g (washed & chopped)

• Mustard greens (sarson ka saag) – 200 g (optional, for authentic flavor)

• Fresh fenugreek leaves – 50 g (optional)

• Onion – 1 large, chopped

• Tomato – 2 medium, chopped

• Ginger – 1 inch, grated

• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced

• Green chilies – 2 (adjust spice level)

• Water – 1½ cups

🧀 For the Paneer:

• Paneer – 250 g (cut into cubes)

• Oil or ghee – 2 tbsp (for frying)

🥄 Spices & Seasoning:

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

🥛 For Creaminess (Optional):

• Fresh cream – 2 tbsp (or cashew paste for vegan option)

• Butter – 1 tbsp

👨‍🍳 Make Saag Paneer – Step-by-Step

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Greens

1. Wash spinach, mustard greens, and fenugreek leaves thoroughly to remove dirt.

2. Boil the greens with green chilies in 1½ cups water for 5–6 minutes until wilted.

3. Drain excess water (reserve it) and let them cool slightly.

4. Blend into a smooth paste using the reserved water.

🔹 Step 2: Fry the Paneer

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a pan.

2. Lightly fry paneer cubes until golden on the edges.

3. Remove and place on a plate; keep aside.

🔹 Step 3: Make the Curry Base

1. In the same pan, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Add ginger and garlic; sauté for 30 seconds.

4. Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.

5. Cook until tomatoes become soft and oil starts to release.

🔹 Step 4: Combine and Cook

1. Add the blended saag paste to the tomato-onion masala.

2. Stir well and cook for 5–7 minutes on medium heat.

3. Add garam masala and butter for richness.

4. Gently stir in fried paneer cubes and cook for 2 more minutes.

5. Add fresh cream before serving (optional).

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Saag Paneer

This Punjabi Saag Paneer recipe is perfect for:

• 🌙 Weeknight Indian Dinners – Quick yet flavorful

• 🎉 Festivals & Family Gatherings – A vegetarian crowd-pleaser

• 🍱 Lunchbox Meals – Stays fresh and nutritious

• ❄️ Winter Comfort Food – Warm, hearty, and seasonal

• 🌿 Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Diets – Naturally wholesome

🍛 What to Serve with Saag Paneer

• Indian Breads – Makki ki roti (cornmeal bread), chapati, naan, or paratha

• Rice Dishes – Steamed basmati, jeera rice, or pulao

• Accompaniments – Pickles, papad, and fresh salad

• Healthy Twist – Serve with quinoa or millet for added nutrition

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving – 1 cup)

💡 Tip: For a vegan version, replace paneer with tofu and cream with cashew paste.

🌟 Tips for the Best Saag Paneer

• Use fresh greens for authentic flavor.

• Don’t overcook paneer or it will turn rubbery.

• Adjust spice levels according to taste.

• For richer flavor, cook the saag with ghee.

• For meal prep, make the saag base in advance and add paneer when serving.

❓ FAQs – Saag Paneer

Q. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain before blending.

Q. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month.

Q. Can I skip mustard greens?
Yes, but they give authentic Punjabi flavor.

Q. Is Saag Paneer healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a balanced meal.

📝 Interesting Facts

This Saag Paneer recipe is a celebration of Indian vegetarian cooking — vibrant greens, creamy textures, and bold spices all in one comforting dish. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a festive meal, it’s a guaranteed hit for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

From Punjabi kitchens to global Indian restaurants, this spinach paneer curry remains a timeless classic.