Winter is here, and so are all the delicious green leafy vegetables we’ve been waiting for! From mustard greens to spinach, fenugreek to bathua, there is a lot to choose from. Each of these greens has its own unique taste and health benefits, making them a must-add to your winter diet. While most of us are familiar with the classic sarson ka saag with makki ki roti, there is a whole world of saag recipes that you might not have tried yet. These dishes are not only rich in taste but also rich in nutrients. Here’s a curated list of eight greens recipes to add some variety and nutrition to your winter menu.
Here are 8 winter special saag recipes you must try:
1. Radish greens
You might have made radish bhurji hundreds of times, but have you ever made saag from it? It’s a game-changer! Pressure cook the radish leaves with a whistle. Then, fry some chopped radishes with onions, whole red chillies and spices in a pan. – Blend the boiled radish leaves and put them in the pan. Cook for some time and serve hot with roti.
2. Bathua Saag
Bathua Saag is a winter classic saag that is as delicious as it is comforting. Boil bathua and make a mixture with tomatoes, onions and spices. Blend the boiled greens and mix with the mixture. Let it cook till the oil separates, then serve it with paratha. Bonus: Some people like to add dal to bathua saag for added flavor.
3. Soya Saag
Soya saag is known for its earthy taste and aroma. You can cook it alone, but it pairs very well with potatoes. Fry garlic, green chillies, asafoetida and spices before adding soya leaves. Cook them all together to make a delicious dish that pairs perfectly with roti or paratha. Some people also turn soya leaves into curry, which adds another dimension of flavor.
4. Poi Ka Saag
Poi saag, also known as Malabar spinach, is a favorite in eastern India. It is extremely easy to make – just cook the leaves with onions, tomatoes and some spices. You can also combine them with other vegetables to make more nutritious dishes.
5. Kalmi Saag
Kalmi Saag is a staple winter dish that is easy to prepare. Finely chop the leaves and wash them, taking care to drain off all the water. Fry garlic, onion, tomatoes and spices in hot oil, then add chopped leaves. Cook until the water evaporates and your Kalmi Saag is ready to serve!
6. Spinach Green Moong Dal Greens
Take your spinach greens up a notch by adding green moong dal. First of all, boil spinach and moong dal together until they are mixed well. In another pan prepare a delicious masala with onion, garlic, whole red chilli, tomatoes and spices. – Mix the boiled mixture with spices and cook for some time. Add optional garlic tadka on top for extra flavour!
7. Amaranth greens
Straight from Uttar Pradesh, Chaulai ka Saag (amaranth leaves) is a powerhouse of nutrients like Vitamin A, Folate and Iron. It is traditionally enjoyed with Makki Di Roti or Paratha. For variety, some people cook it with chana dal, which adds a delightful texture and flavour.
8. Mustard greens
No list of saag recipes is complete without the iconic sarson ka saag. A Punjabi classic, it is prepared differently in every household but is always best served with makki ki roti. This hearty dish truly defines winter comfort food.
This winter, move beyond the usual mustard greens and experiment with these delicious saag recipes. They’re nutritious, delicious and the perfect way to add variety to your plate!
