Sarson Ka Saag: A Mustard Greens Delight
Description:
Sarson Ka Saag is a traditional Punjabi dish that features puréed mustard greens, creating a vibrant and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion. This medium-spiced vegetarian dish pairs wonderfully with makki di roti (cornflat bread) or can be enjoyed on its own, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Preparation and Cooking Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Serves | 6 |
| Dietary Info | Vegetarian |
| Spice Level | Medium |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (palak) | 500 g |
| Mustard leaves (saag) or curly kale | 500 g |
| Fresh ginger (roughly chopped) | 4 cm |
| Garlic cloves (whole) | 5 |
| Green chili (roughly chopped) | 1 |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Corn flour (to thicken, if needed) | 1-2 tbsp |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 4 |
| Butter | 65 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Greens: Start by washing and slicing the spinach, placing it in the bottom of your pressure cooker. Then, wash and finely slice the mustard leaves (or curly kale) and layer them on top of the spinach.
-
Add Aromatics: To the greens in the cooker, add the chopped ginger, whole garlic cloves, salt, and chopped chili. Secure the lid tightly.
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Cook Under Pressure: Heat the pressure cooker, allowing it to build up steam. When the cooker whistles twice, which should take about 10 minutes, reduce the heat and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
-
Release Pressure: After simmering, remove the cooker from the heat but do not open the lid immediately. Allow it to cool slightly before releasing the pressure. Once safe, carefully open the lid and let it cool for a few minutes.
-
Blend the Mixture: Using a hand blender, purée the cooked saag until you achieve a thick, bright green consistency. If the mixture seems too watery, return it to the stove over high heat, stirring continuously to reduce and thicken it. If desired, you can sprinkle in a bit of corn flour to aid in thickening, although this is optional.
-
Prepare the Tomato Base: In a separate frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook gently until they break down and form a thick paste.
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Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked tomato mixture into the saag. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. Sarson Ka Saag is best enjoyed hot, paired with makki di roti or your favorite bread.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Varies |
| Protein | Varies |
| Carbohydrates | Varies |
| Dietary Fiber | Varies |
| Fat | Varies |
| Sodium | Varies |
This traditional Sarson Ka Saag recipe showcases the vibrant flavors of mustard greens, making it a nourishing dish that embodies the heart of Punjabi cuisine. Serve it at your next gathering and let the delicious aroma enchant your guests! Enjoy the warmth and comfort that this dish brings to your table.
