Vegan Saag Paneer
Vegan saag paneer is easy to make and can be on the table in under an hour. This tofu saag paneer is hearty, filling, and healthy.
Servings: 4
Calories: 220kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bunch collard greens
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon chopped ginger
- 2 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 green chilies sliced
vegan tofu paneer
- 16 oz firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- pinch turmeric powder
Instructions
- Start by pressing your tofu to get rid of excess water. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean dish towel or using paper towels and placing something heavy on top, like a cast iron skillet. Let it sit for 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.16 oz firm tofu
- Next, clean the collard greens and remove the thick stem. Place the collard greens in hot water for 5 minutes.1 bunch collard greens
- Drain all water and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make a mixture of turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, a pinch of salt, olive oil, and nutritional yeast.1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder, pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon olive oil, pinch turmeric powder
- Cut the tofu into cubes and mix the spices. Toss well to get an even coat.
- Place the tofu mixture inside the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400F for 12 minutes, or until crispy.
- While the tofu is air frying, heat a cast iron large skillet and add vegan butter or oil.2 tablespoon olive oil
- After the skillet heats up, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- Add chopped ginger and garlic and cook for 30 seconds over medium heat.1 teaspoon chopped ginger, 2 garlic cloves chopped
- Add chopped onions, salt, and green chilies and cook until the onions turn translucent.1 onion chopped, 2 green chilies sliced, salt to taste
- Add chopped tomatoes and spices and cook for a few more minutes.2 tomatoes chopped, ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Add the chopped collard greens to the pan and cook for about five minutes, or until they're well wilted.
- Finally, add the air-fried tofu cubes to the pan and mix everything together.
- Cook for a few more minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Vegan Saag paneer is ready! Serve hot paired with jeera rice, wheat naan, or phulka roti. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the tofu at 400F for 20 minutes.
- You can also pan-fry the tofu instead of air frying it.
- Make sure to press your tofu well to eliminate excess water, or the tofu will get too crumbly to handle. Extra firm tofu works best for this recipe.
- Cast iron pan will give the best flavor, but you could use any pan you have on hand.
- Pair this dish with a bowl of steamed basmati rice or hot chapatis for best results.
- Add a teaspoon of lemon juice if the dish turns too spicy for your taste preference.
- You can make this into a creamy dish by blending the greens with an immersion or hand blender.
- Use a cup of full-fat coconut milk if you prefer the dish to be creamier.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 299mg | Potassium: 432mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 244IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 208mg | Iron: 4mg