Recipes‎ > ‎

Saag Paneer

# ---- 1. Rice ----------------------------

1 1/2 Cup   Long Grain Basmati Rice, Rinsed
2     Cups  Water
1     Cup   Water (Separate from above)
1     Tsp   Cumin Seeds
1     in.   Whole Ceylon Cinnamon Stick
1     Pinch Saffron Threads
1     Pinch Salt
1           Star Anise Pod
6           Green Cardamom Pods, Cracked
6           Cloves
6           Black Peppercorns

1.1 Using a mortar and pestle, grind the
    saffron to a fine powder and leave in
    the mortar.
1.2 Using a small pot or kettle, bring the
    1 cup of water to a boil.
1.3 Once the water is boiling, add 1 tbsp
    of the boiling water to the powder in
    the mortar.  Set aside.
1.1 Combine remaining ingredients in a pot
    and set to high.
1.2 Allow water to come to a boil and then
    immediately drop to the lowest heat
    setting.
1.3 Cover pot and allow remaining water to
    soak into the rice. This may take
    around 12-15 minutes.
1.4 Just before the rice is finished
    cooking, remove 1 Tbsp of rice and add
    it to the saffron water mixture in the
    mortar. Allow it to soak for 5 minutes.
1.5 Add saffron rice to the cooked basmati
    and fluff.
1.6 Remove cinnamon stick and star anise.
1.7 (Optional) Add 2 tsp ghee to the rice
    when fluffing to keep it from sticking.

# ---- 2. Paneer --------------------------

4   oz.  Paneer, Cubed
1   Tbsp Ghee
1   Tsp  Cumin Seeds

2.1 Heat ghee and cumin seeds in a small,
    nonstick pan on medium heat until the
    seeds begin to sizzle.
2.2 Carefully add paneer, making sure to
    shake them around in the ghee a bit to
    coat the edges.
2.3 Let cook until the edges get gold and
    crispy, then rotate and cook the other
    side. 
2.4 Once both sides are crispy, remove from
    heat and set aside.

# ---- 3. Saag ----------------------------

9   oz   Fresh Spinach Leaves, Rinsed
1   Tbsp Ghee
2   Tsp  Fenugreek Seeds
1   Tsp  Cumin Seeds
2   Tsp  Dry Fenugreek Leaves
2   Tsp  Garam Masala
1   Tsp  Turmeric Powder
1   Tsp  Coriander Powder
1   Tsp  Ginger, Grated
1/4 Tsp  Chili Powder
1/4 Cup  Heavy Cream
4        Large Garlic Cloves, Crushed
1/2      Red Onion, Diced
1        Serrano Pepper, Finely Chopped
1        Large Indian Bay Leaf
         Salt and Fresh Black Pepper
         
# Note: This recipe can be made without
# onion. Replace onion with 3 or 4 chopped
# garlic cloves.

3.1  Blanch the spinach, then puree it in a
     food processor. Set aside.
3.2  Combine garam masala, coriander
     powder, turmeric powder, and chili
     powder in a small bowl. Set aside. 
3.3  In a large pan, add ghee, fenugreek
     seeds, cumin seeds, and the bay leaf
     and set to medium heat.
3.4  Once the seeds begin to sizzle, add
     onions and sauté for 2 minutes. If you
     chose to make this recipe without
     onions, add chopped garlic and stir
     for 30 seconds.
3.5  Add the chopped Serrano, crushed
     garlic, and grated ginger. Stir for
     about a minute.
3.6  Add the spice mix from step 3.2 and
     stir until evenly distributed.
3.7  Add the spinach from step 3.1 and stir
     everything until well mixed. Spread
     the contents of the pan until even
     across the surface, then cover the pan
     and let cook for about 6 minutes.
3.8  Add cream, fenugreek leaves, and the
     paneer from step 2.4 and stir until
     well mixed.
3.9  Salt and pepper to taste.
3.10 Cover again and let cook for another
     6 minutes.
3.11 Remove from heat. Serve with Rice.