So you've got a jar of our Spinach Saagwala Paste sitting in your fridge. You bought it with big plans. But now it's 5:30pm, the kids are hungry, and you need something fast. Good news: this paste was made for exactly this moment.

Here's a few ideas of what you can cook with it. From 10-minute saves to lazy weekend projects, we've got you covered.

Quick wins (under 15 minutes)

Saag Shakshuka

This might be my favourite lazy weekend discovery. Warm 3-4 tbsp paste in a pan, add in sliced capsicum/grated carrots if you're feeling extra pious, crack in your eggs, cover, and cook until the whites are just set but the yolks stay runny. The spiced greens with a jammy egg is pure comfort. Crusty bread for dipping is non-negotiable.

Saag & Mushroom Pasta

Pan-fry mushrooms until golden and slightly crispy. Cook your pasta and strain. In a large bowl mix in the mushrooms and the paste while the pasta is still warm. Crumble feta on top. The saltiness against the earthy flavour of the Saag is really something.

Saag Fish Curry (the light version)

White fish, a tin of coconut milk, a few tablespoons of paste. Simmer for 15 minutes. It's fragrant and light—nothing like the heavy curries that make you want to lie down afterwards. A weeknight hero.

Weeknight workhorses (20-30 minutes)

Classic Saag Paneer

Can't skip the classics of the list! Pan-fry your paneer until golden on each side – that light crust prevents the paneer from crumbling. Add the paste into a pan, loosening it with some water and cream. Add in the paneer and simmer it all together. Serve with rice or warm roti. Under 20 minutes.

Saag Chicken Buddha Bowl

Coat chicken thighs in paste and bake until the edges char slightly. Slice and serve in a bowl with rocket leaves, steamed edamame beans and cherry tomatoes. Top up with raita (greek yogurt and mint). It looks impressive, takes 25 minutes, and my kids actually eat it. The real win.

Saag Toasties

Boil potatoes until soft. Mash them and mix in 2-3 tablespoons of paste. Layer this spiced mash between two slices of bread, smother with cheese, and toast until golden and oozy. It's an Indian-spiced potato toastie, and yes, it's as good as it sounds.

Saag & Chickpea Tray Bake

Toss chickpeas and cauliflower florets with olive oil and a generous amount of paste. Roast until the chickpeas are crispy and the cauliflower chars at the edges. Hands-off, one tray, deeply satisfying.

Meal-prep heroes

Saag Puff Pastry Parcels

Mix the paste with corn kernels, grated carrot, minted peas, and ricotta. Line a muffin tray with puff pastry, fill with the mixture, top with more ricotta, and bake until puffed and golden. Perfect lunchbox fillers—or, honestly, perfect for eating straight from the tray while you "wait for them to cool."

Saag Savoury Muffins

Fold the paste into your muffin batter with crumbled feta and chopped spring onions. Bake a batch on Sunday and you've got grab-and-go breakfasts sorted for the week. I tell my kids these are cheesy Hulk muffins and they get gobbled right up! 

Saag Veggie Fritters

In a bowl combine chickpea flour (besan), 2-3 tbsp paste and handfuls of grated zucchini, carrots or cabbage. Add water until you have a thick, gluggy paste. Heat up some oil in a fry pan and then make small fritters with a tbsp of mixture each time. Shallow fry until crispy. Pack in lunchboxes cold or reheat in a hot pan. This is my go-to for using up sad vegetables from the back of my fridge.

Weekend projects

Spinach Saag Lasagne

When a customer first told me she made this, I was sceptical. Indian spices in lasagne? But I tried it. And it works, it really does. Cook your mince in 3-4 tablespoons of paste. Stir more paste into your béchamel for a creamy green sauce. Layer with ricotta. The result is earthy, rich, and completely unexpected.

Saag Risotto

Stir the paste through your risotto at the very end, just before serving. You get this gorgeous green colour and an earthy depth that takes a basic risotto somewhere new. Add minted peas for brightness and a bit of pop.

Saag Pizza

If pesto can work on a pizza, so can our Saagwala paste. Use the paste instead of tomato sauce. Top with smoked chicken, mozzarella, red onion and thin green pepper slices. Creamy, earthy, and nothing like your usual Friday pizza—in the best possible way.

Entertaining shortcuts

Saag Cream Cheese Dip

Blitz 1-2 tbsp of the paste with cream cheese. Squeeze in a bit of lemon if you feel like it. Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks. Looks like you planned ahead. Nobody needs to know that you didn't.

Need more ideas?

We're always trying new things over on Instagram—but honestly, start with the Shakshuka or the pasta. Both take less time than ordering delivery and taste significantly better.

What have you cooked with yours? Drop me a comment or flick me an email, I want to know!