This Sak Paneer Recipe (Greens and Paneer Cheese) also called Paneer Sak is a flavorful and nutritious dish made with fresh spinach and paneer, tempered with aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for those who follow a sattvic diet, free from onions and garlic, making it suitable for offering to Krishna.
Prepared with love and devotion, Paneer Sak is a beloved dish among devotees and a delightful addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Paneer Sak can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Rice: Serve Paneer Sak with plain basmati rice or jeera rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Bread: Pair with roti, naan, or chapati for a delightful combination.
- As a Main Dish: Serve as a main dish along with other complementary dishes for a well-rounded meal.
- With Chutney: Pair with a sweet or spicy chutney to complement the rich flavors.
These serving suggestions make for a balanced and satisfying meal, fostering a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.
History
Paneer Sak has a special place in the hearts of devotees. This recipe was developed to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that adheres to the principles of a sattvic diet, free from onions and garlic. Paneer Sak is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, and this version, with its emphasis on purity and devotion, has become a staple in many Hare Krishna kitchens.
Bhakti Thought
Paneer Sak is more than just a dish; it is an expression of creativity, nourishment, and devotion. By preparing and offering this dish to Krishna, we engage in the sacred practice of bhakti, transforming the act of cooking into a spiritual journey. This dish serves as a reminder that even the simplest of ingredients, when combined with devotion and care, can create something extraordinary. Let this Paneer Sak inspire you to cook with a heart full of love and to see each meal as an offering to Krishna, bringing us closer to Him with every bite.
PrintSak Paneer Recipe
Paneer Sak is a comforting and flavorful dish, inspired by the principles of bhakti yoga. This rich Paneer Sak combines wholesome ingredients, creating a harmonious blend that enhances any meal. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, cooking and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 – 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh spinach, washed and stemmed
- 1 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 2 pinches asafoetida (hing)
- 3 tbsp water
- 2/3 cup (150 ml) sour cream (optional)
- 8 oz (225 g) paneer, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach:
- Wash and stem the spinach, then blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and chop finely.
- Prepare the Tempering:
- In a large pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add ground coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and asafoetida. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Spinach:
- Add the chopped spinach and 3 tbsp of water to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the spinach is tender.
- Add Paneer and Seasonings:
- Stir in the cubed paneer, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
- If using, add the sour cream and mix until fully incorporated.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat and let the dish simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Offer to Krishna and serve hot with rice or bread.
Notes
- Versatility Tip: You can use any combination of greens you have on hand, such as kale or Swiss chard, in place of spinach.
- Homemade Spice Powders: You can make your own ground spice powders by dry roasting the seeds, spices, and herbs in a pan over a flame until they become aromatic, then cooling and grinding them. This will enhance the quality of the prepared offering.
- Frozen Spinach or Greens: You can use frozen spinach in place of fresh if you do not have fresh spinach or greens on hand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg