Utah Stories

Scheff’s Table – Saffron Valley’s Saag Paneer

  One of my favorite restaurants – actually, a series of restaurants around the Valley – is Saffron Valley. Lavanya Mahate’s inspired Indian cuisine is second to none, and each of her eateries is every bit as vibrant as the food served there. For this week’s Scheff’s Table, I asked Lavanya to share one of…

|


 

Photo Courtesy of Saffron Valley.

One of my favorite restaurants – actually, a series of restaurants around the Valley – is Saffron Valley. Lavanya Mahate’s inspired Indian cuisine is second to none, and each of her eateries is every bit as vibrant as the food served there. For this week’s Scheff’s Table, I asked Lavanya to share one of her favorite Saffron Valley recipes with me and Utah Bites readers. Try this delicious dish in your own kitchen!

From Lavanya Mahate: “Paneer is a fresh cheese popular in Indian cooking. It’s a great source of protein for vegetarians. Paneer has a similar texture to firm tofu, which can be used as a non-dairy substitute. Saag Paneer is a popular North-Indian dish which is a pureed spinach base speckled with cubed paneer. Saffron Valley offers this and many other options for vegan and vegetarian foodies.”

Ingredients:

2 bunches fresh spinach
2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium onion chopped finely
1 medium tomato diced
3 tsp Garam Masala
1 serrano pepper, slit lengthwise
Salt to taste
2 tbsp. oil
2 cups Paneer or firm tofu cubed
1/2 cup fresh cream

Method:

1. Steam spinach leaves and broccoli florets with 1 cup of water for 20 minutes. Let it cool and blend the greens into a puree.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a deep skillet over medium-high flame. Add the cubed paneer and fry for a couple of minutes until light brown on all sides, gently turning to avoid breaking the cubes. Remove the cheese from the skillet and set aside.
3. Return the skillet to the heat, add 1 tbsp. oil and add the onions. Cook until the onions get soft and add the tomato and the serrano pepper. Add the Garam Masala, salt and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
4. Add the spinach puree. Stir the mixture together and let it come to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. At this point add the paneer cubes and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in fresh cream and remove from heat.
5. Serve with steamed rice or flatbreads.

 

FOR RESTAURANT REVIEWS GO HERE

THIS CONTENT IS FROM UTAH BITES NEWSLETTER.

GET OUR WEEKLY RESTAURANT REVIEWS, TED’S FAVORITE RECIPE AND DRINK OF THE WEEK DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX . TO SIGN UP FOR FREE GO HERE.

Originally trained as an anthropologist, Ted Scheffler is a seasoned food, wine & travel writer based in Utah. He loves cooking, skiing, and spends an inordinate amount of time tending to his ever-growing herd of guitars and amplifiers.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: click on their logos to visit their website

[envira-gallery id=”30879″]

, , , ,


Join our newsletter.
Stay informed.

Related Articles


  • The “Monster” of Bear Lake

    Have you ever heard of Utah’s hidden lake monsters? Beyond the tourist buzz of Bear Lake, whispers of a mysterious creature have persisted for generations. Dive into the untold stories, rare sightings, and eerie folklore surrounding Utah’s most elusive aquatic legend. Are the rumors real, or just a product of overactive imaginations?

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • Frisco, Utah: The Untold Story of the West’s Most Notorious Ghost Town

    Once a wild silver mining town, Frisco, Utah, was infamous for its nightly violence and lawless streets. Known as the “toughest mining town in the West,” its fortunes changed after a catastrophic mine collapse. Today, the deserted remains of Frisco, with its decaying kilns and empty streets, tell the story of a town that lived fast and died young. The mysteries of its vanished lawman and the outlaws who once ruled the streets still linger in its desolate landscape.

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • Per Noi Trattoria: Classic Italian Dining and Family Tradition on Highland Drive

    Stepping into Per Noi Trattoria on Highland Drive feels like a return to the heart of classic Italian dining. From comforting pastas and wood-fired pizzas to a welcoming family atmosphere, this Salt Lake City gem serves timeless Italian-American dishes that keep fans coming back.


  • Halloween Treat Decorating Class for Kids – Spooky Fun Awaits!

    Little America Hotel hosts a unique Halloween Treat Decorating Class where kids can explore Halloween creativity by designing spooky cookies and cupcakes with guidance from skilled chefs. With endless toppings and decorations, each child will leave with their own delicious creations