Creamy Saag Paneer with Regional Spice Mix

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and creamy Indian dish featuring homemade paneer cubes simmered in a vibrant spinach gravy infused with a regional spice blend. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs washed and chopped fresh spinach leaves, cubed into 1-inch pieces paneer cheese, ghee or clarified butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp ghee in a large pan over medium heat until melted. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 small chopped green chili, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt; toast the spices with the aromatics for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Add 10 oz chopped fresh spinach and 1/2 cup water, stirring until the spinach wilts and the mixture simmers gently for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Using an immersion blender or food processor, blend the spinach mixture until smooth but still slightly textured.
  6. Step 6: Return the pan to medium heat, add 8 oz cubed paneer and 1/4 cup heavy cream, gently stirring and cooking for 5 more minutes until heated through and creamy.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with rice or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Saag Paneer with Regional Spice Mix take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Saag Paneer with Regional Spice Mix?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ghee or clarified butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Saag Paneer with Regional Spice Mix?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Saag Paneer with Regional Spice Mix for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Saag Paneer with Regional Spice Mix?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes