Traditional Punjabi Saag

Indulge in the hearty flavors of Traditional Punjabi Saag, a beloved dish that showcases the lush, earthy goodness of mustard greens and spinach. This authentic recipe combines slow-simmered greens with the bold aromatics of garlic, ginger, and green chilies, then finishes with a rich tempering of ghee, cumin seeds, and aromatic Indian spices. Thickened with maize flour, this saag boasts a creamy, rustic texture that’s perfect for scooping up with makki di roti or your favorite flatbread. Bursting with vibrant, nutrient-rich greens and warm, spiced undertones, this dish is a comforting tribute to Punjabi cuisine, ideal for cozy family meals or festive gatherings. Enjoy the taste of tradition with every spoonful!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Mustard greens
• 250 grams Spinach leaves
• 500 ml Water
• 3 tablespoons Ghee
• 1 large Onion
• 5 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 inch Ginger
• 2 pieces Green chilies
• 2 tablespoons Maize flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the mustard greens and spinach thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grit. Drain well.

Step 2

Chop the mustard greens and spinach leaves coarsely.

Step 3

In a large pot, add the water and bring it to a boil.

Step 4

Add the chopped mustard greens and spinach to the boiling water. Simmer for 30 minutes until the greens are tender.

Step 5

Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies.

Step 6

Once the greens are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly.

Step 7

Blend the cooled greens into a coarse paste using a hand blender or food processor. Set aside.

Step 8

In a separate heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.

Step 9

Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.

Step 10

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden.

Step 11

Add the chopped garlic and ginger, and stir for another minute until fragrant.

Step 12

Add the green chilies, and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 13

Add the maize flour and stir well, ensuring the flour is mixed thoroughly and toasted slightly.

Step 14

Transfer the blended green paste to the pan and mix well with the onion mixture.

Step 15

Stir in the salt, garam masala, and red chili powder.

Step 16

Cook the saag over low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 17

Serve hot with makki di roti or any flatbread of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1586.4 grams (1586.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	801

Total Fat 47.80g	61%
Saturated Fat 27.50g	138%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 120mg	40%
Sodium 2700mg	117%
Total Carbohydrate 78.50g	29%
Dietary Fiber 29.30g	105%
Total Sugars 19.30g
Protein 28.60g	57%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 984mg	76%
Iron 20mg	113%
Potassium 4028mg	86%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.1%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 36.6%