Sarson ka Saag Recipe-Mustard Greens Cooked to perfection

Sarson ka Saag (mustard green curry) is a traditional and beloved dish, especially in Punjab. It is commonly served with makki di roti (corn flatbread), butter, and sometimes, jaggery.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Ingredients:

For the Saag:

• 500g mustard greens (sarson ka saag ), washed and chopped
• 250g spinach (palak), washed and chopped
• 100g bathua (wild optional but traditional
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, minced
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• half teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste )
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste )
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoon maize flour (makki ka for thickening
• 3 tablespoon butter or desi ghee (clarified butter )

For the tempering (tadka) ):

• 2 tablespoon ghee or butter
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 dried red chili
• half teaspoon cumin seeds
• half teaspoon red chili powder

Instructions:

Step 1: Cooking the Saag:

In a large pot, add the mustard greens, spinach, bathua (if using ), chopped onion, ginger, garlic, green chilies, tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Add 1 cup of water, cover, and cook on medium heat for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the greens are soft and well-cooked, mash them using a mathani (wooden whisk ) or blend them roughly using an immersion blender. Do not make it completely smooth - it should have some texture. Add maize flour (makki ka atta) and mix well to thicken the saag. Let it cook for another 20-30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add butter or ghee and mix it in.

Step 2: Preparing the Tempering:

Heat ghee or butter in a small pan. Add sliced garlic and let it turn golden. Add cumin seeds, dried red chili, and red chili powder. Let them sizzle for a few seconds. Pour this hot tempering over the saag and mix well.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot with makki di roti (corn flatbread) and a dollop of butter.
• Accompany with sliced onions, green chilies, and lassi (buttermilk) for a traditional experience.
• Some people enjoy it with white rice or roti as well.