Easy Sarso Ka Saag Recipe – A Traditional Punjabi Delight

Sarso Ka Saag is a classic Punjabi dish made with mustard greens and spinach, slow-cooked to perfection with spices. This hearty and flavorful dish is traditionally served with makki di roti (cornmeal flatbread) and a dollop of fresh butter. Perfect for winter, this recipe is a comforting treat.

Ingredients

• 500g mustard greens (sarso), chopped
• 250g spinach (palak), chopped
• 50g bathua (wild spinach), optional, chopped
• 2 tbsp cornmeal (makki ka atta)
• 5-6 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 4 green chilies, chopped
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tbsp mustard oil or ghee
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh butter or ghee, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Greens

1. Wash the mustard greens, spinach, and bathua thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grit.
2. In a large pot, add the greens, 1 cup of water, turmeric powder, and green chilies. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the greens soften.

2. Mash the Greens

1. Using a wooden masher (or a hand blender), mash the cooked greens to a coarse paste.
2. Add cornmeal to the mashed greens and cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid lumps.

3. Prepare the Tempering

1. Heat mustard oil or ghee in a pan.
2. Add chopped garlic and ginger. Sauté for a minute until aromatic.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and red chili powder. Cook until the oil separates.

4. Combine and Cook

1. Add the prepared tempering to the pot of mashed greens. Mix well and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Adjust the seasoning with salt.

5. Serve

1. Serve the sarso ka saag hot with makki di roti and a generous dollop of fresh butter or ghee on top.

Tips

• Use fresh and tender greens for the best flavor and texture.
• Adding bathua enhances the flavor, but it can be omitted if unavailable.
• For a smoother texture, blend the greens in a food processor after cooking.

Nutrition Chart for Sarso Ka Saag (per serving, approximately 4 servings)

• Calories —————— 150 kcal
• Total Fat —————— 7 g
• Cholesterol ————— 10 mg
• Sodium ——————– 200 mg
• Total Carbohydrates — 18 g
• Protein ——————— 5 g
• Sugar ———————— 3 g
• Fiber ———————— 4 g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used and cooking methods.