Shalgam Sabzi
A simple, rustic Punjabi dish where sweet and earthy turnips are cooked with tangy tomatoes and aromatic spices. This comforting sabzi is a winter favorite in North India and pairs perfectly with hot rotis.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Vegetables and Aromatics
- b.Wash the turnips thoroughly, peel them, and chop into small 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
- c.Finely chop the onion. Grate the ginger and mince the garlic cloves.
- d.Blend the medium tomatoes in a blender to make a smooth puree.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Temper and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter for about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the asafoetida, followed immediately by the finely chopped onions.
- e.Sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent.
- f.Add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for another minute until their raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Masala Base
- b.Pour the tomato puree into the pan. Stir well.
- c.Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- d.Mix everything together and cook the masala on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently until the masala thickens and you see oil starting to separate from the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Turnips
- b.Add the cubed turnips and grated jaggery to the cooked masala.
- c.Stir for 2 minutes, ensuring the turnips are well-coated with the spices.
- d.Pour in 1/2 cup of hot water, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the sabzi cook for 15-20 minutes.
- f.Stir once or twice in between to prevent sticking. The sabzi is done when the turnips are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Once the turnips are fully cooked, use the back of your spoon to gently mash a few pieces against the side of the pan. This traditional step helps to thicken the sabzi.
- c.Sprinkle the garam masala over the sabzi and mix gently.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Serve hot with roti, paratha, or as a side dish with dal and rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Select young, small turnips as they are sweeter and less fibrous, resulting in a better texture.
- 2The jaggery or sugar is crucial for balancing the slight bitterness of turnips; do not skip it.
- 3Mashing a few turnip pieces at the end is a key step for achieving the authentic, slightly thick consistency.
- 4For a richer, more traditional flavor, prepare this sabzi in ghee instead of oil.
- 5This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it great for meal prep.
- 6If the sabzi appears too dry during cooking, add a splash of hot water to adjust the consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Potatoes
Create 'Aloo Shalgam' by adding one medium potato, cubed, along with the turnips. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
With SpinachWith Spinach
Make 'Shalgam Palak' by adding 1 cup of chopped spinach (palak) in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
For a richer, milder sabzi, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh cream (malai) or cashew cream at the very end, after turning off the heat.
No Onion/GarlicNo Onion/Garlic
For a Sattvic version, you can omit the onion and garlic. Increase the amount of ginger and asafoetida slightly to compensate for the flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Turnips are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain a feeling of fullness, supporting weight management.
Boosts Immunity
High in Vitamin C from both turnips and tomatoes, this dish helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body against common infections.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The inclusion of spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and ginger gives this sabzi potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Good for Heart Health
Turnips contain potassium, which can help lower blood pressure. The dish is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Shalgam Sabzi contains approximately 165 calories, making it a light and healthy dish. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil used.