A Teaspoon of Turmeric

Saag Panner ~ Indian cheese with spinach also known as Palak Paneer.

So they say it takes 21 days to make a new habit (or break an old one!). With the arrival of spring comes a time of renewal, rejuvenation and restoration after the winter months of hibernation–and a perfect time to wake up and wash away some old habits that could be dragging us down!

As we’re into the month of April, this is also a time we can take positive actions to make our ‘environmental footprints’ smaller as Earth Day approaches. This year, Earth Day Canada is challenging Canadians to Take It Up. Just say yes to taking up a new challenge and do your part. It’s the challenges that are our greatest motivators for change and for pushing our boundaries further! They also keep life fun!

It’s simple–commit to ‘taking it up’ in one of the following categories and you can win some very cool prizes!

Eat
Plant-based diets are better for the environment and a vegan diet has the smallest environmental impact of all. Eating veg has never been easier! Learn more »

Drink
You may know that drinking plenty of water is good for your health, but did you know that drinking tap water (and conserving water elsewhere) is crucial to the health of the planet? Learn more »

Care
If lipstick contains lead and common antiperspirants and shampoos contain chemicals linked to cancer, is it safe to be using them daily? Prevent adding these to your body and the environment! Learn more »

Move
Do you find it challenging to make time to exercise, choose active transportation, and unplug from your favourite activities? We’ve got some ideas! Learn more »

I decided to take the ‘Move’ challenge, to unplug and think about carpooling, public transport and sustainable ways to ‘move’.

For those of you thinking of the ‘Eat’ challenge, you can look at Indian cuisine as an easy and delicious way to incorporate lentils, beans and vegetables into the diet. I’ll leave you with this recipe for inspiration!
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Saag Paneer – Indian cheese with spinach
Indian grocery stores carry paneer. If you can’t find paneer in the stores, try making your own at home. Here is my Paneer Making Workshop.

For a vegan substitute, try this recipe with tofu and almond milk.

Ingredients:
1 cup paneer, cubed
1 bunch spinach, finely chopped
1 tbsp. oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
¼ cup ground or crushed tomatoes, canned
1 ½ tbsp. Arvinda’s Curry Masala
1 tsp. sea salt OR salt to taste
1 tsp. sugar
½ cup light cream
¼ cup ground almonds or cashews (optional)
½ cup water
¼ cup. cilantro, finely chopped to garnish
½ tsp. Arvinda’s Garam Masala, to garnish

Method: In a heavy bottom pan, heat oil on medium high and fry onions until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add ground tomatoes and fry for 2-3 minutes. Add Arvinda’s Curry Masala and mix.

Add sugar and mix. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Fold in paneer. Add cream and almonds. Add salt to taste. Stir. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Add water. Simmer for another few minutes. This dish should have a thick creamy sauce. Garnish with cilantro and Arvinda’s Garam Masala. Serve with Indian flatbreads and rice. Serves 2-4.

Download the recipe: Arvinda’s Saag Paneer ~ Indian Pressed Cheese with Spinach

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Arvinda’s will be at the Green Living Show this weekend at booth #1818. Please come by and visit – we can get you started on your Indian cooking!

A teaspoon of: Snow Patrol. Listening to: Just Say Yes.