Step 1

Heat a pan and add oil to it.

Step 2

Once it is hot, add finely chopped onions and chopped ginger to it. Cook the onions on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3

Now add roughly chopped spinach and green chili (if using) and let it wilt.

Step 4

Switch off the stove once the leaves are wilted fully. Keep this spinach mixture aside and allow it to cool down.

Step 5

Meanwhile, heat another pan and fry the tofu slices on both sides. You can do this in an oven also. Bake them till they become crisp as per your liking.

Step 6

Turn them and let them cook on another side as well. I have just sprinkled some salt on both sides.

Step 7

Once you fry both sides, cut them into squares.

Step 8

Take the cooled spinach mixture into a blender jar and add maize flour.

Step 9

Blend this spinach mixture into a smooth paste using water and add it back into the pan.

Step 10

Cook this spinach mixture for 5 minutes on a low flame.

Step 11

Add spice powders - cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and salt to this spinach mixture and mix it well.

Step 12

Simmer it for three or four minutes and switch off the flame. To this saag mixture, add the fried tofu, and the vegan saag paneer is ready to serve!

Step 13

Garnish the curry with a dash of lemon juice and serve it over a bowl of basmati rice or with naan bread.