Spinach and feta cooked like saag paneer for a tasty twist

Ingredients for Spinach and feta cooked like saag paneer

• 70 g ghee or olive oil, divided

• 30 g coriander seeds

• 2 green cardamom pods, or 1 g ground cardamom, freshly ground is best

• 1 small yellow onion, diced into 1.25 cm pieces

• 15 g roughly chopped fresh ginger

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 300 g fresh baby spinach, about 280–360 g

• 7.5 ml fresh lime juice, from about a quarter of a lime, plus more if needed

• 1 small Indian green chile or serrano chile, roughly chopped

• 5 ml kosher salt

• 170 g feta cheese, cut into 1.25 cm cubes

• 5 ml cumin seeds

• 1 g asafetida (optional)

• 1 g red chile powder

How to make Spinach and feta cooked like saag paneer

1. In a large frying pan over medium heat, warm 60 ml of the ghee (or oil). Once the ghee has melted or the oil begins to shimmer, add the coriander and cardamom. Cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until the seeds start to brown.

2. Add the onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Stir in the ginger and garlic, and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Add the spinach and cook for 4–5 minutes, until just wilted.

4. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the lime juice, green chilli, and salt. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.

5. Transfer the spinach mixture to a blender and blend into a chunky paste.

6. Return the spinach mixture to the same pan and set it over low heat. Stir in 120 ml of water, then gently fold in the feta, being careful not to break up the cubes. Cook for 5–7 minutes more to soften the feta slightly and allow it to soak up some of the spinach sauce.

7. While the feta is cooking, in a small pan or butter warmer over medium-high heat, warm the remaining 30 ml of ghee (or oil) for 1 minute.

8. Add the cumin seeds. As soon as the cumin seeds start to sputter and brown, about 1 minute, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add the asafetida (if using) and red chilli powder.

9. Pour the ghee (or oil) mixture into the spinach and feta once it has finished cooking.

10. Serve with rice or roti.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.