🥦 Saag Paneer – Low Carb Spinach & Cheese Curry

A comforting vegetarian dish made with creamy spinach and rich, golden-fried cheese – a traditional Indian favorite reimagined for a low carb lifestyle. Perfect for those reducing carbs, managing type 2 diabetes, or following a keto or vegetarian diet.

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✅ Ingredients (Serves 3–4):

• 250 g paneer, halloumi or firm tofu, cubed
• 400 g fresh spinach (or 300 g frozen, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
• 2 tablespoons double cream or coconut cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water or vegetable broth, if needed (to loosen the sauce)

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🥣 Instructions:

1. Fry the cheese:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee in a non-stick pan. Add cubed paneer or halloumi and fry until golden on all sides. Set aside.
2. Cook the aromatics:
   In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Sauté the onion (if using) until soft. Add garlic, ginger, and spices. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add spinach:
   Add fresh spinach in batches, letting it wilt down (or add thawed frozen spinach). Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
4. Blend (optional):
   For a smooth sauce, blend the spinach mixture using a hand blender (off heat) to your preferred texture. For a rustic version, leave it chunky.
5. Finish the dish:
   Stir in cream and return the fried cheese to the pan. Simmer for 3–5 minutes. Season to taste.
6. Serve hot with cauliflower rice or low carb naan/keto chapati (see my recipe on the blog!).

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Cauliflower rice
• Keto chapati or almond flour naan
• As a side dish with grilled meat or curry

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🌿 Why it’s great for a low carb diet:

• High in healthy fats and protein
• Naturally low in carbohydrates
• Suitable for vegetarians and people managing blood sugar levels

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Nutritional values per serving of the low-carb Saag Paneer:

• Calories: 399 kcal
• Protein: 19.8 g
• Fat: 31.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 8.6 g