Lifestyle for Healthy Feet

Tag: vegetarian

  • 🥦 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.

    ✅ 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)

    🥣 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!).

    🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

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

    🌿 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

    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