Priya Krishna's Spinach and Feta Cooked Like Saag Paneer
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Priya Krishna's Spinach and Feta Cooked Like Saag Paneer
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Priya's update (mom-approved, of course) to the Indian staple saag paneer replaces paneer with cubed feta. As Priya says, "I love the way the feta gets all soft and pseudo-baked, soaking in all the spices and melting a little into the gravy." Our microwave-friendly adaption is aromatic, melty, and lusciously rich, just as Priya intended. This recipe was adapted from Priya's cookbook, Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.
The Anyhand Mitts
Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ghee or olive oil (divided)
- ½ tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 green cardamom pod, or ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ small yellow onion, cut into ½ inch pieces (60g)
- ½ tablespoon roughly chopped fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 8 oz fresh baby spinach (5-6 cups)
- ¼ tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ small Indian green chili or serrano chili, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon (kosher) salt
- ⅛ cup (25ml) water
- ¼ cup (3oz) feta cheese cut into ½ inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon asafetida (optional)
Preparation
- Add 2 tbsp (¼ cup for large portion) of ghee or oil into the Anyday and melt uncovered in the microwave for 30 seconds, or until fully melted.
- Add the coriander seeds, cardamom pods, onion, garlic, ginger, and green chile into the Anyday, then stir to combine and cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften.
- Add as much spinach as you can fit (really pack it in since it will cook down!). Cover and cook for 1 minute. Pack more spinach in, and cook again for 1 minute. Repeat adding and cooking until all spinach is partially cooked and wilted.
- Stir in the lime juice and salt, then using an immersion blender or blender, puree the mixture to form a paste.
- Stir in the water and gently fold in the feta cheese, making sure not to break up the cubes. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the feta has slightly softened and has absorbed some of the spinach sauce. Set aside while you make the spiced oil.
- Place the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee and cumin seeds into a small microwave-safe dish, and cook for 1 minute or until the seeds begin to sputter and brown. Stir in the chili powder and asafetida (if using).
- Pour the aromatic ghee over the mixture of spinach and feta and enjoy.
Serving suggestions & tips
- When shopping for feta, look for Greek feta in brine. This adaptation was inspired by a Krishna family trip to Greece!
Recipe notes
- Find out more about Priya at priyakrishna.me
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
