Healthy Saag Paneer

Does saag paneer often feature in your Indian order? What if we said you could enjoy your own, healthier version that’s just as delicious? Packed with nutritious spinach and protein-rich paneer, this heathy Saag Paneer recipe provides plenty of rich, comforting flavours that will nourish your body as well as your tastebuds.

4 portions

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:  

4 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp chilli powder

200g paneer – cut into 2cm cubes

500g spinach – washed

1 onion – finely chopped

3 garlic cloves – finely chopped or crushed

2 tsp ginger

1 tsp garam masala

Salt and pepper

To serve: juice from half a lemon, cooked rice or naan.

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil, the turmeric and chilli powder. Add the cubed paneer and toss well and let marinate while preparing the spinach.
2. Blanch the spinach – bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, add the washed spinach and blanch for 10 seconds, then drain and cool under cold water. Squeeze out all the water and roughly chop the leaves.
3. Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pan (where possible, avoid non-stick cookware) on medium-high heat. Add the cubed paneer and fry until golden and crusted. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper. Cook until onions have softened. Add the garam masala and stir to coat.
5. Add the chopped spinach and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Then add paneer back into the pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
6. Squeeze some lemon juice on top and serve with cooked rice or naan. and topped with yoghurt and some chopped fresh coriander.

Why is this good for you ?

Spinach is a non-starchy vegetable that is rich in carotenoids. Eating non-starchy vegetables and carotenoid-rich vegetables may decrease the risk of breast cancer.

Making small, healthy swaps like this mean you can still enjoy your favourite dishes, while also reducing your risk of breast cancer. If you enjoyed this healthy Saag Paneer recipe and are craving more dishes like this, download Breast Cancer UK’s FREE recipe e-book ‘Organic Flavours’.