
Vegan Saag Paneer
Spiced tofu in silky spinach curry. The perfect combination of smooth spinach sauce, fried tofu “paneer” and spices makes this vibrant green Indian curry a must-have!
By Jyothi P.
Total Time: 45 mins Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Sauce Prep
1 bunch spinach
½ medium onion, diced
3 cloves minced garlic
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
1 diced serrano pepper
½ cup warm water
Tofu ""Paneer"" Prep
4 oz extra firm tofu, cubed
¼ teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon chili powder
Final Touch Prep
2 dry red chili peppers
½ teaspoon garam masala powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon coriander powder
3 tablespoons oil
salt, to taste
Directions:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add the cumin seeds and sauté for a couple of minutes until they are fragrant. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Now add the serrano peppers and spinach. Mix well and cook on medium heat until the spinach wilts.
Remove from heat and transfer to a blender. Add ½ cup warm water to the mix and blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed. Set aside.
Let’s make the “paneer”. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes in chili powder, turmeric and 1 tablespoon of oil. Use an Air fryer or an oven to roast the tofu at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Alternatively, you may pan fry the tofu for the same results. Set aside.
Add a teaspoon of oil to a pan. Add the dry red chili peppers and all the spices and toast until fragrant, approx. 2 minutes. Add the spinach puree and stir to mix well with the spices. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and add the "paneer" cubes. Mix to coat the "paneer" and simmer for a minute. Remove from heat.
Serve with naan bread or rice! Yum!