*I hope you are all staying safe during the time of this COVID-19 pandemic. In these trying times, let us try and find silver linings. Let us focus our time and energy to better connect with our families, especially our children. Much love- Swetha *

This is an easy vegan Saag (Indian style spicy greens) recipe. This is a rustic Indian dish that is originally from the Punjab region. This is the kitchen-sink version of greens – made Indian style!!

Into the Instant Pot some/all of these go:

fresh greens
herb stalks
green peas
edamame
frozen greens (those rolled-up spinach packets in the back of the freezer, you know what I am talking about…), etc.

Convert your leftover greens into a delicious, spicy sabzi (side dish) that you can serve with roti’s, parathas or tortillas.

One more thing: This dish uses slightly more oil than normal. But greens by themselves are low in calories + the fat pairs well with the fat-soluble vitamins in the greens + makes for a tasty dish!! The texture is pleasing. Your kid will eat it!! Do I need to justify more?

Recipe

Easy Vegan Saag

Recipe by Swetha SivakumarCourse: RecipesCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 bunches of fresh greens + few ounces of frozen greens +optional (frozen peas, edamame)+ herb stalks
Spices
3 cubes frozen ginger (or 1tbsp ginger paste)
1 finely chopped green chili*
1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder (can use paprika as a substitute)
1/2 cup water
1/2 medium onion chopped
2 tsp Jaggery solution (use 1 tsp molasses or 1/2 tsp sugar as substitute)
1/2 tsp salt

Directions

Add your assortment of greens, 1/4 spoon of salt and 1/2 cup of water to the instant pot. Set it to cook at pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release.
Open the instant pot. There will be about 1/2 cup of green water at the bottom. Strain the water out and use it as stock for any other recipe. Using a hand blender coarsely grind the cooked greens.
Heat about 3 tbsp oil in a pan to medium heat. Saute onions on medium heat. When the onions brown, add green chilies, ginger paste and saute.
Add the kashmiri chili powder and saute for about 10-15 seconds. Pour the pureed greens into the pan.
Stir fry the greens on high heat for a couple of minutes. Add the jaggery and remainder of oil. Continue stirring on heat. Check for salt and adjust to taste.
Serve!!

Notes

*Add more green chili for a spicier version.

Flavor Buildup

What makes this vegan saag so tasty? It is a very simple recipe. The combination of gentle greens with a liberal dose of extra virgin olive oil cooked in simple spices makes it so yum!! .

What ingredients are used and why?

Ginger and green chilis are standard accompaniments to the traditional Saag. Greens being the mildest of vegetables are best flavored with mellow flavors.
I also added Kashmiri chili powder for an extra zing that is needed when paired with bland rotis, tortillas etc.
The tiny splash of sweetness (jaggery) rounds out the flavors and mellows any bitterness from the greens.

Conclusion

Everyday greens in most cuisines are usually simple recipes – salt, fat and simple spices (if at all).

I started thinking about how different countries pair greens with different Fats (oils).

Here are some examples:

Name of the greens dish : Country: Fat (Oil) Used

Gomae: Japan: SpinachGreens + Sesame seeds/oil
Horta: Greek: Wild Greens + Olive Oil
Creamed Spinach: American: Spinach + Butter/Cream
Keerai Poriyal: South Indian: Greens + Coconut
Saag: Punjabi (Indian): Winter greens + Butter/Ghee
Haaq: Kashmiri(Indian): Chard + Mustard Oil

So, switching out different fats may be an easy way to keep your greens cooking exciting!!

In this vegan version of Saag recipe, I have switched olive oil for the butter. Despite the swap, the dish is as tasty as ever.

I hope this ‘Vegan Saag (Greens made Indian Style)’ helps you deliver a tasty and nutritious dish at your home on a regular weekday without too much stress or hassle.

Let me know your thoughts and comments below. I look forward to reading them.

Stay safe, everyone!!

Easy Vegan Saag (Indian Style Greens)