Chicken Saag

I was very afraid of cooking saag for a long time. The first time we tried it, things did not go well.  I'm not entirely sure what happened...way too much spinach?  Not the right spices?  Whatever it was, that stuff was not good.  It took a couple years to recover from that, but then I got the guts to try again and found this recipe.  It is rich and creamy with just the right amount of spice.  It is loaded up with spinach but doesn't taste spinach-y (the best way to eat spinach if you ask me).  And honestly, it really impresses guests!

Chicken Saag

Number of Servings: 6
Time to Prepare: 1 hour 45 minutes

• 4 Tbsp canola oil, divided
• 3 to 4 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 large onions, minced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (1") piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 6 Tbsp sour cream
• 2 Tbsp butter

Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Cook the chicken until browned, then remove to a plate and set aside.

Place the spinach into a large pot with 1/4 cup of water.  Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and let steam for 5-10 minutes until completely wilted.  Dump the spinach and water into a blender and blend until mostly smooth, then set aside.

Heat the remaining 2 Tbsp of oil in the skillet over medium heat.  Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned (about 10 minutes).  Add the tomatoes, coriander, cayenne, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, and salt.  Stir in 1 Tbsp water and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.  Pour in the milk and stir to combine, then add back in the chicken pieces.  Bring to a light boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Stir the spinach and garam masala into the skillet and cook for 15 minutes.  Stir in sour cream and heat through.  Remove from heat and stir in butter.

Source: adapted from AllRecipes
Produce Used: Spinach, onion, garlic, ginger