Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of India without leaving your kitchen? This Sunday Slow Cooker Saag Paneer is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that promises to revolutionize your weekend cooking. Imagine coming home to a rich, creamy, and aromatic dish that has been slowly simmering all day, filling your home with irresistible spices and warmth. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving an authentic Indian vegetarian delight, this recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb paneer, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 lb spinach, chopped
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping spinach, dicing paneer into 1-inch cubes, and finely chopping onion, garlic, and grating fresh ginger.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the onion-garlic-ginger mixture to the slow cooker, creating a base layer for the dish.
- Add chopped spinach, cubed paneer, coconut milk, garam masala, and salt to the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and spinach to break down into a creamy consistency.
- Occasionally stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
- After 4 hours, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or garam masala if needed.
- Serve hot over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread, garnishing with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Ingredient Quality Matters: Use fresh, high-quality paneer for the best texture and flavor. If possible, opt for homemade or freshly purchased paneer.
- Spinach Preparation: Ensure spinach is thoroughly washed and well-drained to prevent excess water in your final dish.
- Spice Intensity: Adjust garam masala to your taste preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you desire a more robust flavor.
- Prevent Burning: Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent ingredients from sticking to the slow cooker.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with warm basmati rice or fresh naan bread. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Coconut Milk Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture that complements the paneer perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 40mg
