---
title: "Saag (Palak) Paneer"
section: recipes
description: "Puréed spinach with paneer, ginger, green chili, tomato, and cream, made in an Instant Pot."
tags: ["indian", "spinach", "paneer", "vegetarian", "curry", "dinner", "spicy"]
created: 2021-12-24T12:54:00Z
updated: 2026-07-29T21:06:16Z
cid: bafkreieim7wo5glbstzanj2sv5qlgvp7kmmogqbclbvuoai5wrhcxz7ioe
html: https://iammatthias.com/recipes/1640442840000-saag-palak-paneer
---

# Saag (Palak) Paneer

```recipe
yield: "2 servings"
time: "20 min active · 40 min total"

ingredients:
  - { id: spinach, item: "spinach", amount: "150 g", note: "about half a large bunch, stems trimmed" }
  - { id: ginger, item: "ginger", amount: "½ inch piece", note: "chopped" }
  - { id: green-chili, item: "green chili", amount: "½-1", note: "Serrano peppers, chopped" }
  - { id: salt, item: "salt", amount: "to taste" }
  - { id: ghee-or-avocado-oil, item: "ghee or avocado oil", amount: "to sauté" }
  - { id: onion, item: "onion", amount: "½ medium", note: "diced" }
  - { id: garlic, item: "garlic", amount: "½ tablespoon", note: "minced" }
  - { id: ginger-ginger-paste, item: "ginger/ginger paste", amount: "½ tablespoon", note: "minced" }
  - { id: tomato, item: "tomato", amount: "½ medium", note: "diced" }
  - { id: red-chili-powder, item: "red chili powder", amount: "½ teaspoon" }
  - { id: cream-or-milk, item: "cream or milk", amount: "⅛ cup" }
  - { id: paneer, item: "paneer", amount: "125g", note: "cubed" }

steps:
  - id: s1
    in: [spinach, ginger, green-chili]
    do: "wash the roughly chopped"
    detail: "Wash the roughly chopped spinach thoroughly and drain. Also wash the chopped ginger and green chili."
  - id: s2
    in: [s1, salt]
    do: "place spinach"
    for: "6 min"
    detail: "Place spinach, ginger, green chili, and a pinch of salt in an Instant Pot. Set to high pressure for 6 minutes."
  - id: s3
    in: [s2]
    do: "release pressure and let"
    for: "10 min"
    detail: "Once done, release pressure and let the spinach mixture cool slightly. Then purée in a food processor until smooth."
  - id: s4
    in: [s3, ghee-or-avocado-oil, onion, garlic, ginger-ginger-paste]
    do: "set the Instant Pot"
    detail: "Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat ghee or avocado oil. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Cook until onions are translucent."
  - id: s5
    in: [s4, tomato, red-chili-powder]
    do: "add diced tomato"
    detail: "Add diced tomato, cook until soft. Then add salt and red chili powder to taste."
  - id: s6
    in: [s5, cream-or-milk, paneer]
    do: "stir in cream or milk"
    detail: "Stir in cream or milk, then add cubed paneer to the pot. Mix gently to combine."
  - id: s7
    in: [s6]
    do: "add the puréed spinach"
    detail: "Add the puréed spinach mixture to the pot with paneer. Stir well."
  - id: s8
    in: [s7]
    do: "let the mixture simmer"
    for: "10–20 min"
    detail: "Let the mixture simmer for 10-20 minutes. Cover with a splash guard or lid to prevent splattering."
  - id: s9
    in: [s8]
    do: "adjust seasoning"
    detail: "Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot. Serve with flatbread or rice."
```

---

## Related

- [Mumbai Street Style Vada Pav](https://iammatthias.com/recipes/1726417129936-mumbai-street-style-vada-pav.md): Iconic Mumbai street food with spiced potato fritters in buns.
- [Spicy Tom Kha with Char-grilled Pork Loin](https://iammatthias.com/recipes/1729456768249-spicy-tom-kha-with-char-grilled-pork-loin.md): Spicy coconut tom kha with mushrooms and tofu, served with char-grilled pork loin in a soy-lime marinade.
- [Summer chili, two ways](https://iammatthias.com/recipes/1717954493179-summer-chili-two-ways.md): Dual-batch recipe for grilled meat and vegetarian chilis with toppings. Both share core seasonings, beans, and grilled corn garnish.
- [Vegetarian Coconut Curry Ramen](https://iammatthias.com/recipes/1714335695318-vegetarian-coconut-curry-ramen.md): A simple coconut curry ramen bowl featuring fresh noodles in a fragrant broth, topped with veggies and soft-boiled eggs.
- [Eggplant Parmesan](https://iammatthias.com/recipes/1753717869129-eggplant-parmesan.md): Crispy panko-crusted eggplant topped with melted mozzarella, served over a vibrant blistered cherry tomato sauce.
