SPINACH AND FETA COOKED LIKE SAAG PANEER

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Spinach and Feta Cooked Like Saag Paneer image

Here's a familiar Indian takeout staple-saag paneer-but with the ingenious substitution of large cubes of feta for paneer.

Provided by Priya Krishna

Categories     cookbooks     Coriander     Cardamom     Onion     Ginger     Garlic     Spinach     Lime Juice     Chile Pepper     Feta     Cumin

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 green cardamom pods, or ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (freshly ground is best)
1 small yellow onion, diced into ½ -inch pieces
1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pound fresh baby spinach (10 to 12 cups)
½ tablespoon fresh lime juice (from about a quarter of a lime), plus more if needed
1 small Indian green chile or serrano chile, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
6 ounces feta cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (a little over ½ cup)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
¼ teaspoon asafetida (optional, but really great)
¼ teaspoon red chile powder

Steps:

  • In a large pan over medium heat, warm ¼ cup of the ghee (or oil). Once the ghee has melted (or the oil begins to shimmer), add the coriander and cardamom and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until the seeds start to brown. Add the onion and cook until it is translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the spinach and cook until it is just wilted, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and add the lime juice, green chile, and salt. Let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a blender and blend into a chunky paste. Return the spinach mixture to the same pan and set it over low heat. Stir in ½ cup water, then gently fold in the feta, being careful not to break up the cubes. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes more to soften the feta slightly and allow it to soak up some of the spinach sauce.
  • While the feta cooks, in a small pan or butter warmer over medium-high heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons ghee (or oil) for 1 minute. Add the cumin seeds. As soon as (emphasis on as soon as-you don't want your cumin to burn!) the cumin seeds start to sputter and brown, about 1 minute max, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add the asafetida (if using) and red chile powder.
  • Pour all of the ghee (or oil) mixture into the spinach and feta once that is done cooking.
  • Serve with rice or roti.

adsk putty
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Overall, I really enjoyed this recipe. It was easy to make, flavorful, and healthy.


star mobile
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This recipe was a bit too salty for my taste. I would have preferred it to have less feta cheese.


Botsana Boitumelo
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I'm not a big fan of spinach, but this recipe changed my mind. The spinach was cooked perfectly and the feta added a nice salty flavor.


Anjit Lama
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This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It's also very healthy and flavorful.


Maile Kunwar
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I liked this recipe, but I would have preferred it to have more vegetables. I added some chopped carrots and bell peppers, and it turned out great.


Julie Bul√°nkov√°
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This dish was easy to make and very flavorful. I will definitely be making it again.


Arturo Ildefonso
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I've tried this recipe several times and it always turns out great. It's a versatile dish that can be served with rice, naan, or even pasta.


Jenny Omon
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This recipe was a bit too spicy for my taste. I would have preferred it to be milder.


ShahXad RaHi
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I'm not a fan of Indian food, but I really enjoyed this dish. It was flavorful and creamy, and the spinach and feta were a great combination.


Heba Osama
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover spinach. It's a quick and easy meal that's also healthy.


CJX_Gaming
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I loved the combination of spinach and feta in this dish. It was creamy and flavorful.


Zafar Sapari
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The recipe was easy to follow and the dish turned out great. I will definitely be making it again.


Sadia Sajjad
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This dish was a bit bland for my taste. I would have liked it to be more flavorful.


Antonio Clark
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I've made this recipe several times and it always turns out great. It's a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family enjoys.


Shawn Ziwere
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This recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids loved the cheesy spinach and didn't even notice the hidden veggies.


Karim. Pathan
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I'm not a big fan of spinach, but this recipe changed my mind. It was creamy and flavorful, and the feta added a nice touch.


RiHan MeDiA
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This dish was a hit at my dinner party. The combination of spinach, feta, and spices was delicious.


Abdushukur Alijonov
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My family loved this recipe! It was easy to make and packed with flavor. I will definitely be making it again soon.