Prep time
10 min
Cook time
25 min
Serves
3–4
Calories
~420 kcal
Difficulty
Medium
Ingredients
Method
01
Blanch and blend the greens
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and methi leaves and blanch for exactly 2 minutes — no more, or they lose their vibrant green. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice-cold water. This preserves the colour. Drain, squeeze out water, and blend with fresh coriander to a smooth puree.
02
Pan-fry the paneer
Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Add the paneer cubes and fry without touching them for 2 minutes until lightly golden. Turn and fry the other side. You're adding texture and a little flavour. Remove and set aside.
03
Build the masala base
In the same pan, add remaining ghee and temper cumin seeds until they sputter. Add the onion and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until deeply golden and sweet. Don't rush this — it's the foundation. Add garlic and ginger, cook 2 more minutes.
04
Cook the tomato masala
Add chopped tomato, turmeric, and coriander powder. Cook on medium heat, pressing the tomato down, until it completely breaks down and you see the ghee separating at the sides — about 5 minutes. This is the signal your masala is ready.
05
Add the green puree
Pour in the green puree and season generously with salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't stick. It should turn a deep, rich olive green as it cooks down.
06
Finish with paneer and garam masala
Add the fried paneer cubes and stir gently. Sprinkle garam masala and add cream if you want a richer finish. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Taste, adjust salt, and serve hot with roti, paratha or steamed rice.
Tips for the best result
- ✦The ice bath after blanching is what keeps the saag bright green — skip it and it turns army grey.
- ✦Methi adds a pleasant bitterness that balances the richness. Don't leave it out.
- ✦Take the onion all the way to deep golden. Pale onions make a pale, flavourless gravy.
- ✦Fresh coriander blended in with the spinach adds brightness that dried coriander powder cannot replicate.
- ✦If the gravy gets too thick, add a splash of warm water and stir.
Get all 3 greens delivered
Every ingredient in this recipe is available on Urban Farmers.
Harvested at dawn, delivered every Tuesday & Friday across Mumbai.