Homemade Saag Paneer

A deeply nourishing dish of greens, spices, and fresh cheese
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: ~40 minutes
Servings: 4

What is Saag Paneer?

Saag Paneer is a beloved North Indian dish made with leafy greens ("saag") and soft paneer cheese. It's warm, grounding, and deeply satisfying, rich in minerals, protein, and flavor. Perfect for colder seasons or anytime you're craving something cozy and nutrient-dense.

Why This Dish is Ayurvedic

This recipe supports the Ayurvedic principles of grounding and nourishment. Cooked greens balance vata and are easier to digest than raw salads. Paneer offers protein and unctuousness, which support ojas - the vital energy of immunity and resilience. Warming spices like cumin, ginger, and turmeric kindle agni (digestive fire) and support balanced digestion.

Ingredients

Greens:

• 1 bunch spinach (16oz)

• 1 bunch mustard greens (or kale/chard if unavailable)

• 1 tsp ghee

Paneer:

• 8 oz paneer, cubed (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp ghee

Spice Blend:

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp coriander

• ½ tsp garam masala

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• Optional: pinch of chili flakes or cayenne

Instructions

1. Prepare the Greens

• Roughly chop the spinach and mustard greens.

• In a large pan, heat 1 tsp ghee and sauté the greens until wilted (3–5 minutes).

• Set aside and let cool, then blend until smooth (or leave slightly textured if preferred).

2. Toast the Paneer

• In a clean skillet, heat 1 tbsp ghee.

• Add paneer cubes and lightly brown on each side (5–7 minutes total).

• Set aside.

3. Make the Masala

• In the same pan, heat a little more ghee if needed.

• Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.

• Stir in onion and cook until translucent.

• Add ginger, garlic, and all dry spices.

• Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring often.

4. Combine

• Add blended greens to the masala and mix well.

• Simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Add the toasted paneer and simmer for another 3–5 minutes.

• Adjust salt or spice as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm basmati rice, jeera (cumin) rice, or fresh roti. A drizzle of ghee on top enhances flavor and digestion.

Ayurvedic Tips

• Add a squeeze of lemon just before serving for a little sour to help balance kapha.

• To reduce dairy, substitute paneer with tofu or roasted chickpeas.

• Add digestive spices like ajwain (carom) or fennel seeds if you’re prone to bloating.

Closing Thoughts

This version of saag paneer is both traditional and digestively balanced for modern wellness. It’s a wonderful way to connect with seasonal greens, nourish your tissues, and bring warmth to your day.

If you make it, let us know how it turned out!