Saag

Saag paneer is the most common dish known as "Saag"

Saag (Hindi: साग, Urdu: ساگ) is a Spinach and Mustard Leaves based curry dish eaten in India and Pakistan with bread such as roti or naan. Saag can be made from spinach, mustard leaves, or other greens, along with added spices and sometimes other ingredients. On some menus, this dish is also referred to as Saagwala. A common form of saag is "Saag paneer", which contains a type of cheese known as paneer (can be substituted with firm tofu for a non-dairy version). Saag is more common in Punjab where it may be eaten with makki di roti. This roti is made of corn flour and is yellow in colour, though it can also be eaten with other breads. When made with spinach and paneer, a common name for the dish is "palak paneer". "Saag gosht" (or alternatively "palak gosht") is a version of the dish prepared with lamb. The lamb is usually cooked in a tandoor before being marinated in the other ingredients.

Sarson Da Saag

This is a popular variety made from mustard leaves (Sarson) only. It is regarded as the traditional way of making saag and is traditionally served with makki di roti, which literally means (unraised) corn bread. It can be topped with either butter (unprocessed white or processed yellow butter) or more traditionally with ghee (a type of clarified butter). Some Spinach can be added for added colour and thickening the dish, this would alter the taste though.

Palak paneer

Palak Paneer simmering on a stove

Palak paneer (Hindi: पालक पनीर, Urdu: پلک پنیر) is a common variation of Saag. Palak Paneer is a spinach curry almost always made with spinach whereas Saag is sometimes made with mustard leaves. It is served as a breakfast, lunch or dinner dish. It may be accompanied with lassi, a Punjabi sweet milk drink. Dhabas, or Indo/Pak street restaurants specialize with palak paneer. The difference between Palak Paneer and Saag Paneer is, in some cases, consistency. Palak is more watery compared to a more solid saag.

Palak Aloo

Palak Aloo is made with potatoes instead of paneer, and is popular throughout India and Pakistan. Palak Aloo is usually served with naan, chapati, and makki di roti. Like Saag, Palak Aloo can be made with both spinach and mustard, although spinach is the most common. Palak Aloo is commonly served hot, with pulao, and topped with ghee, clarified butter.