Vegan Saag Paneer: A Creamy, Dreamy Delight
This recipe delivers all the rich, savory goodness of traditional saag paneer, but without any dairy!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Used In Step(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach (fresh or frozen) | 1 large bunch (1 lb) | Step 1, Step 2 |
| Onion | 1 medium | Step 1 |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Step 1 |
| Ginger | 1 inch piece | Step 1 |
| Green chilies (optional) | 2-3 | Step 1 |
| Tomato | 1 medium, diced | Step 1 |
| Vegetable broth | 1 cup | Step 2 |
| Coconut milk | 1 can (13.5 oz) | Step 2 |
| Garam masala | 1 tsp | Step 2 |
| Turmeric | 1/2 tsp | Step 2 |
| Cumin | 1 tsp | Step 1 |
| Coriander | 1 tsp | Step 1 |
| Salt | To taste | Step 2 |
| Vegan paneer (firm tofu) | 1 block (14 oz), pressed and cubed | Step 3 |
| Oil | 2 tbsp | Step 1 |
Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics
First, heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies (if using) and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the cumin and coriander and cook for another minute until fragrant. Finally, stir in the diced tomato and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
Step 2: Simmering the Spinach and Spices
Add the spinach to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, coconut milk, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the spinach is completely wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly. You can use an immersion blender at this stage for a smoother consistency, if desired. For more information on the benefits of coconut milk in Indian cooking, you can check out this article from The Spruce Eats.
Step 3: Adding the Vegan Paneer
Gently stir in the cubed vegan paneer. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the paneer to heat through and absorb some of the flavors of the sauce. If using firm tofu as a vegan paneer substitute, pressing it beforehand is crucial for achieving the desired texture. For tips on pressing tofu, you may find this tutorial from Minimalist Baker helpful.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Serve your vegan saag paneer hot, garnished with extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve with rice, naan bread, or roti.
If you somehow manage to mess up this simple recipe, well...let's just say you might end up with something that resembles pond sludge more than a culinary masterpiece.
