Haryanvi Saag Gosht Recipe: A Flavorful Delight from Haryana
Introduction
Haryanvi Saag Gosht is a mouth-watering, traditional dish from the heart of Haryana, renowned for its rich, rustic flavors. In this recipe, succulent chicken is cooked in a flavorful spinach gravy that is infused with a variety of spices, making it incredibly tender and aromatic. The dish is a fantastic way to incorporate spinach into your diet, especially if you aren’t particularly fond of it, thanks to the perfect blend of spices and chicken. This recipe will surely make you lick your plate clean, as the tender chicken melts in your mouth, while the spices add layers of flavor. It’s a perfect, high-protein meal ideal for a fulfilling dinner.
Cuisine: Haryanvi
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (bone-in or boneless) | 500 grams |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 2 |
| Onions (chopped) | 2 cups |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Green Chillies | 2 |
| Garlic (minced) | 6 cloves |
| Ginger (minced) | 1 inch piece |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 2 teaspoons |
| Red Chilli powder | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 tablespoon |
| Spinach (fresh or frozen) | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As required |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Paste and Spinach Paste
- Start by grinding the onions, dry red chillies, green chillies, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste. This mixture forms the base for the dish’s rich, aromatic gravy.
- In a separate bowl, blanch the spinach leaves (fresh or frozen) in hot water for 2-3 minutes, then drain the water. Once cooled, grind the spinach into a smooth paste. This step helps retain the vibrant green color and nutritional value of spinach.
Step 2: Tempering the Spices
3. Heat some oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add mustard seeds to the hot oil, and let them crackle. Once they start crackling, add cumin seeds to the pan and allow them to splutter for a few seconds.
4. Once the spices are fragrant, add the freshly ground spice paste to the pan. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paste thickens and the raw aroma of the spices disappears.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
5. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to sear and absorb the flavors of the spices.
6. Once the chicken is lightly browned, add the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix everything well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
Step 4: Adding Tomatoes and Spinach Paste
7. Next, add the chopped tomatoes and the spinach paste to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure that the chicken is well coated with the tomato and spinach mixture.
8. Cook the dish on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the oil starts to separate from the sides, indicating that the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Step 5: Simmering and Final Cooking
9. Add a bit of water to the pan to adjust the consistency of the gravy, and cook the chicken until it becomes tender and fully cooked. This should take around 20-25 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally and check the salt and spices, adjusting as necessary.
10. Once the chicken is cooked through and the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, turn off the heat.
Step 6: Serving
11. Serve this rich and flavorful Haryanvi Saag Gosht hot with a side of Tawa Paratha and Jeera Rice for a complete meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Haryana.
Tips and Variations:
- Spinach Variations: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before grinding.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of green chilies and red chili powder used. On the other hand, if you like your food extra spicy, feel free to add more chilies.
- Adding Cream: For a richer version of this dish, add a few tablespoons of cream at the end of cooking. It will make the gravy more indulgent and creamy.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
Haryanvi Saag Gosht is a flavorful and hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner. The combination of tender chicken and vibrant spinach in a fragrant spice blend creates a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. Its high protein content makes it a great choice for those looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying the comforting, traditional flavors of Haryana.
