Dal Palak Paneer Saag

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Preeti Kalia (@hobbi_espassion)

A summer saag normally cooked in the Doaba region of Punjab. It is packed with protein, calcium, and many other nutrients. Easy and tasty, do try this season!

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr
Dal Palak Paneer Saag recipe

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 cup)

Main Ingredients

  • 1000g
    Spinach
  • 1/4cup
    Moong dal (yellow)
  • 1/4cup
    Chana dal
  • 2in
    Ginger
  • 8clove
    Garlic
  • 6
    Green chilli
  • 1tbsp
    Salt
  • 1cup
    Water
  • 3tbsp
    Desi ghee
  • 500g
    Cottage cheese
  • 1tbsp
    Cumin seeds
  • 1cup
    Chopped onion
  • 2
    Tomato
  • 1tsp
    Red chilli
  • 1cup
    Milk
  • 1tbsp
    Fresh cream

How to make Dal Palak Paneer Saag

Preparation of Spinach Puree

  1. Wash and roughly chop the spinach.

    Step 1.1: Wash and roughly chop the spinach
  2. Soak the moong dal and chana dal for half an hour.

  3. In a pressure cooker, add the spinach, soaked dals, ginger, garlic, green chilli, salt, and water.

    Step 1.1: In a pressure cooker, add the spinach, soaked dals, ginger, garlic, green chilli, salt, and water
  4. Cook until four whistles, then cool and blend to a puree.

Cooking the Paneer and Masala

  1. Heat desi ghee in a pan.

  2. Cut the cottage cheese into cubes and fry in the ghee until golden.

    Step 2.1: Cut the cottage cheese into cubes and fry in the ghee until golden
  3. In the same ghee, add cumin seeds and chopped onion.

    Step 2.1: In the same ghee, add cumin seeds and chopped onion
  4. Cook until the onion turns pink, then add chopped tomato.

  5. Cook a little, then add red chilli and a little water, cooking until the masala releases oil.

    Step 2.1: Cook a little, then add red chilli and a little water, cooking until the masala releases oil
  6. Keep one tablespoon of the masala aside.

Final Cooking

  1. Add the spinach puree to the pan and cook for two minutes.

    Step 3.1: Add the spinach puree to the pan and cook for two minutes
  2. Add milk and cook for three to four minutes.

    Step 3.1: Add milk and cook for three to four minutes
  3. Add the paneer cubes and mix well.

    Step 3.1: Add the paneer cubes and mix well
  4. Top with the reserved masala and fresh cream.

    Step 3.1: Top with the reserved masala and fresh cream
    Step 3.2: Top with the reserved masala and fresh cream
  5. Serve with paratha or chapati.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

310.8kcal (15.54%)

Protein

19.2g (38.34%)

Carbs

25.2g (9.15%)

Sugars

3.3g (6.66%)

Healthy Fat

7.5g

Unhealthy Fat

9.7g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the spinach is fresh for the best flavor.

  2. Adjust the number of green chillies according to your spice preference.

  3. You can substitute cottage cheese with tofu for a vegan option.

FAQS

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it before use.

  2. How can I make this dish vegan?

    Substitute cottage cheese with tofu and use plant-based milk.

  3. What can I serve with Dal Palak Paneer Saag?

    It pairs well with paratha, chapati, or rice.

  4. How long can I store leftovers?

    Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

  5. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

    Yes, you can add vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition.

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Preeti Kalia

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