Vegan Saag Paneer (Rapini & Spinach with Tofu)

Vegan Saag Paneer

My Mama’s Pakistani saag recipe made with rapini and spinach is the best! I have adapted it to make it a complete protein packed vegan meal, by adding tofu. Hence, my vegan saag paneer ðŸ™‚

The thing is, I have been exposed to many different type of saag dishes (disclaimer: I could live off my Mama’s Pakistani saag dish for a very long time). I especially love saag that is made with rapini and spinach. Unfortunately Pakistani saag is often drenched in ghee, or clarified butter. This isn’t necessarily bad as ghee can have many health benefits, one of them being easier on your digestive track than other types of dairy. Nevertheless, it’s still dairy so if you can’t have dairy then you can’t have ghee. Never to fear though, happygutters (well, that sounds kind of strange :S), saag has just become vegan with tofu and olive oil instead of ghee. I like to call this one the “Vegan Saag Paneer” 🙂 Enjoy!

Vegan Saag Paneer
Vegan Saag Paneer | happygut.ca
Vegan Saag Paneer
Serves 2
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Ingredients
  1. 1 block firm or extra firm tofu
  2. 2 bunches of rapini, chopped (frozen will do)
  3. 1 bunch of spinach, chopped (frozen will do)
  4. 1.5 tsp turmeric
  5. 1 tsp salt
  6. 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
  7. 1-2 green chilli (cut in half if you like spice)
  8. 1.5 tsp minced ginger
  9. 1.5 tsp minced garlic
  10. 1.5 cups water
Tarka Ingredients
  1. 1.5 tsp minced ginger
  2. 1.5 tsp minced garlic
  3. 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
Instructions
  1. Drain tofu - I usually put it between two plates and put something heavy on it for about 20 minutes, then I drain the liquid.
  2. Place ALL saag ingredients into a saucepan, stir and bring to boil.
  3. Lower to low-medium and allow to cook for about 40 minutes (or about 25 minutes if you have a pressure cooker).
  4. Check and stir it every 5-10 minutes to make sure it doesn't burn or dry out (add more water if this is the case, but don't add too much - you don't want it to be watery). You can to cook it until it is really soft and until the water has evaporated.
  5. Remove from heat and, if you like, use your hand blender or food processor to blend it (this makes really smooth, like saag you would get at a restaurant).
  6. While the saag is cooking, make the tarka. Place your olive oil or vegan butter in a frying pan over medium heat and add the ginger and garlic just until they start to brown. Add the tarka to the saag when it is cooked and mix well.
  7. Cut tofu into thirds lengthwise and eighths crosswise.
  8. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  9. Add tofu.
  10. Cook tofu, stirring gently every 2 to 3 minutes, until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes.
  11. Add the tofu with the saag
  12. Adjust spices to taste.
Notes
  1. Tarka refers to the final seasoning of an Indian/Pakistani Punjabi dish.
  2. This dish also freezes really well. If you do plan on freezing it, don't add the tofu to the saag. Rather, eat the tofu on the side as the tofu doesn't freeze as good.
HappyGut http://www.happygut.ca/

Enjoy with rice or the following, if you like :

buckwheat flour chapati
chickpea flour wrap
paleo coconut flour naan

 

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How To Make a Curry Pie

How To Make a Curry Pie

I’ve always wanted to know how to make a curry pie. I never made one before and have been curious. My friend has recently had baby number 3 (that’s right folks, THREE babies!!) and so I wanted to bring her over lunch. She also asked to make her some super healthy food that she could freeze for later (she also has IBD issues!) and so I was on the search for healthy freezable meals. I made her some hearty soup, dal (indian lentils), both of which is easily freezable, and then decided to experiment with a curry pot pie. It was a success! Plus, it freezes so well. 🙂 Check out my recipe below for how to make a curry pie.

How To Make a Curry Pie
How To Make a Curry Pie | happygut.ca

How To Make a Curry Pie
Serves 4
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Ingredients
  1. 1 can mung beans (or 1 cup dried, soaked overnight and cooked)
  2. 1 cup chopped veggies (carrots, celery, peas, etc.)
  3. 1 handful of chopped kale (or other greens), optional
  4. 1 tomato, chopped
  5. 2 tbsp olive oil
  6. 1 onion, chopped
  7. 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 1 tsp ginger, grated
  9. 1 tsp cumin
  10. 1 tsp ground coriander
  11. 1 tsp garam masala
  12. 1/2 tsp turmeric
  13. 1/2-1 tsp chilli powder
  14. 81 fresh chilli, optional
  15. freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste
  16. salt, taste
Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. When hot, add the chopped onion and sauté the onions until translucent.
  3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add the spices and cook for 2 minutes (add more oil if spices are sticking to the pot).
  5. Add all the veggies and cook for another 2 minutes (remember we are going to be baking them again so we don't want them overcooked).
  6. Add the mung beans, lemon juice, salt and mix.
  7. Adjust spices to taste.
  8. Pour the mixture into an oven safe dish and cover with a pie crust.
Notes
  1. *If you want the taste of the chilli but not the spice of the chilli, you can simply add a whole chilli when you add the spices. For a little spice you can hit the chilli in half, or for even more spiciness you can chop up the chilli.
HappyGut http://www.happygut.ca/
For the crust, I made my Simple Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe or you can see my post for the best Gluten Free Dairy Free Pie Crust for more options.

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