Sarson Ka Saag
Punjabi mustard greens with spinach, slow-cooked — iconic winter North Indian dish.
For 3 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- 2
Step 2
TIPAdding the cornmeal while the greens are still hot helps prevent lumps from forming. - 3
Step 3
- a.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- b.Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- c.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking for 4 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, do not skip the mustard greens. Their signature pungent taste is the soul of the dish.
- 2The traditional method uses a wooden churner (madhani) for a coarse texture. If using an immersion blender, pulse it a few times instead of blending continuously.
- 3Slow simmering (ghotna) is the most important step. Do not rush it, as this is where the saag develops its creamy texture and deep flavor.
- 4Adding a small piece of jaggery while cooking the greens can help balance the slight bitterness of the mustard leaves.
- 5If bathua is unavailable, you can substitute it with more spinach or a small amount of fenugreek leaves (methi).
- 6Sarson ka Saag tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan Version
Substitute ghee with a neutral vegetable oil or mustard oil for the tempering and omit the white butter for serving.
With PaneerWith Paneer
Add 100g of lightly fried paneer cubes to the saag during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added protein and texture.
Creamier SaagCreamier Saag
For an extra rich and creamy finish, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream (malai) just before serving.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chillies or add a slit red chilli to the tempering for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The combination of mustard greens, spinach, and bathua provides a powerful dose of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, and calcium, which are essential for vision, immunity, bone health, and blood circulation.
High in Dietary Fiber
This dish is loaded with dietary fiber from the leafy greens, which aids in digestion, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and helps in maintaining regular bowel movements.
Boosts Immunity
The presence of antioxidants and vitamins from the greens, along with the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of ginger and garlic, helps strengthen the immune system.
Good for Heart Health
Leafy greens are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Using ghee in moderation also provides beneficial fatty acids.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and dietary fiber from the blend of leafy greens. The use of ghee provides healthy fats, and spices like ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties.