असली पंजाबी स्वाद वाला Sarso Saag -5 ट्रिक से बनेगा तो सब चाटकर खएंगे
असली पंजाबी स्वाद वाला Sarso Saag -5 ट्रिक से बनेगा तो सब चाटकर खएंगे is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by CookwithParul on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $32.36 total, $8.09 per serving
Ingredients
- 800 grams Mustard Greens (remove thick stalks, wash thoroughly)
- 300 grams Bathua Leaves (remove thick stalks, wash thoroughly)
- 300 grams Spinach (remove thick stalks, wash thoroughly)
- 100 grams Fenugreek Leaves (handful, remove thick stalks, wash thoroughly)
- 1.5 cups Water (for pressure cooking)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (coarsely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (finely grated)
- 4 pieces Green Chilies (finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Corn Flour (Maize Flour) (adds glossy texture, add gradually)
- 4 tablespoons Desi Ghee (divided: 2 tbsp for main pan, 1 tbsp for first tadka, 1 tbsp for second tadka)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small Tomato (finely chopped; optional for milder version)
- 2 pieces Dry Red Chilies (whole, for tempering)
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for colour and mild heat)
Instructions
Wash All Greens
Separate mustard, bathua, spinach and fenugreek leaves. Remove thick stalks, then wash each batch 3‑4 times in clean water until no soil remains. Drain well.
Time: PT10M
Finely Chop Greens
On a clean board, chop all washed greens very finely (about 1‑2 mm pieces) so they cook quickly and blend uniformly.
Time: PT10M
Pressure‑Cook the Greens
Add 1.5 cups water and a pinch of salt to the pressure cooker. Bring to boil, then add mustard greens first, pressing them down gently. After a minute, add bathua, spinach and fenugreek, mix, and press again. Close lid, cook on high flame until the first whistle, then reduce to low flame and cook 4‑5 more whistles.
Time: PT20M
Add Aromatics
Open the cooker after pressure releases naturally. Stir in coarsely chopped garlic, grated ginger and finely chopped green chilies. Mix well.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Corn Flour
Gradually sprinkle half a cup of corn flour over the hot greens while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for another 2‑3 minutes until the mixture becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
Time: PT5M
First Tempering (Tadka)
Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a kadhai over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Add the small tomato, two whole dry red chilies, a pinch of salt and 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder. Cook until the onion‑tomato mixture turns aromatic and the oil separates.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium heat
Combine Greens with Tempering
Add the cooked greens to the kadhai, mix thoroughly, and let it simmer on low flame for 3‑4 minutes so the flavors meld.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low heat
Second Tempering (Final Tadka)
In a small pan, melt 1 tbsp ghee. Add a few strips of ginger, 1‑2 whole dry red chilies and 1‑2 sliced green chilies. Let them crackle, then turn off the heat and sprinkle a pinch of Kashmiri red chili powder.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish and Rest
Pour the second tadka over the simmered saag, cover the pot and let it rest for 10‑15 minutes. The dish becomes richer and the flavors fully integrate.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (when using corn flour)
Allergens: Dairy (ghee)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Mustard Greens: Kale, Collard greens
- Instead of Bathua Leaves: Amaranth leaves
- Instead of Spinach: Swiss chard
- Instead of Fenugreek Leaves: Dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) – use sparingly
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Ginger: Ginger paste
- Instead of Green Chilies: Jalapeño, Serrano
- Instead of Corn Flour (Maize Flour): Gram flour (besan)
- Instead of Desi Ghee: Unsalted butter, vegetable oil (less authentic)
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Tomato: Tomato puree (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Dry Red Chilies: Red pepper flakes
- Instead of Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Paprika
Equipment Needed
- Pressure Cooker
- Large Cutting Board
- Sharp Chef Knife
- Kadhai or Large Skillet
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Hand Churner (Knutni) or Blender (optional)
- Stove
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pressure‑cooking the greens with proper whistles
- Gradually adding corn flour to achieve glossy texture
- Preparing the second tadka and adding it at the end
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky flavor, briefly roast the mustard greens in a dry pan before pressure cooking.
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing) in the first tadka adds depth without altering the traditional taste.
- Serve hot with butter‑slathered makki roti and a side of fresh cucumber salad.
Troubleshooting
Saag turns bitter.
Ensure fenugreek leaves are used sparingly and remove any thick mustard stalks. Rinse greens thoroughly to eliminate soil that can cause bitterness.
Saag is watery.
Use corn flour as instructed and avoid adding extra water after pressure cooking. If still watery, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
Saag becomes too thick or doughy.
Add a splash of hot water and stir gently; reduce corn flour next time.
Pressure cooker whistles too early.
Make sure the lid is sealed properly and the vent is clean. Use medium flame after the first whistle.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 1 month; thaw in fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Not recommended; saag should be kept refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the greens a day ahead; reheating on low flame with a splash of water restores creaminess.
- The second tadka can be prepared in advance and stored in a small jar; add just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Punjabi Dhaba Style Mustard Greens (Sarson Ka Saag) in Indian cuisine?
Sarson Ka Saag is a winter staple of Punjab, traditionally cooked in village dhabas and homes. Mustard greens were abundant in the cold months, and the dish became a hearty, nutritious meal served with makki roti, symbolising Punjabi hospitality and agrarian roots.
What are the traditional regional variations of Sarson Ka Saag in Punjabi cuisine?
In central Punjab, the saag is often pure mustard greens with a generous amount of ghee. In the Malwa region, bathua and spinach are added for colour and softness. Some villages add a touch of gram flour instead of corn flour for a slightly grainier texture.
How is authentic Punjabi Dhaba Style Mustard Greens (Sarson Ka Saag) traditionally served in Punjab?
It is traditionally served piping hot with a dollop of butter or ghee on top, alongside freshly made makki (corn) roti, a side of jaggery, and a simple cucumber‑onion salad. A double tadka (tempering) is poured just before eating for extra aroma.
On what occasions is Sarson Ka Saag traditionally prepared in Punjabi culture?
Sarson Ka Saag is a winter‑time dish, often prepared for festivals like Lohri and Makar Sankranti, as well as during family gatherings when fresh mustard greens are in season.
What makes Punjabi Dhaba Style Mustard Greens (Sarson Ka Saag) special compared to other Indian leafy‑green dishes?
The combination of four greens (mustard, bathua, spinach, fenugreek) with a pressure‑cooking technique and a corn‑flour finish creates a uniquely creamy, glossy texture that is both rich and slightly smoky—qualities rarely found in other saag preparations.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Punjabi Dhaba Style Mustard Greens (Sarson Ka Saag)?
Common errors include adding too much water (making the saag watery), over‑using fenugreek (causing bitterness), and skipping the corn flour step (resulting in a dry texture). Also, over‑spicing can mask the delicate leaf flavors.
Why does this Sarson Ka Saag recipe use corn flour instead of regular wheat flour?
Corn flour (maize flour) gives a glossy, creamy finish without adding gluten, which keeps the saag light and prevents it from becoming gummy. Wheat flour would thicken the dish but alter the authentic texture.
Can I make Punjabi Dhaba Style Mustard Greens (Sarson Ka Saag) ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the saag improves after a few hours. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and gently reheat on low flame with a splash of water. It also freezes well for up to a month.
What does the YouTube channel CookwithParul specialize in?
The YouTube channel CookwithParul focuses on authentic Indian home cooking, especially regional Punjabi dishes, with step‑by‑step tutorials that highlight traditional techniques and quick shortcuts for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel CookwithParul's approach to Punjabi cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
CookwithParul emphasizes real‑world kitchen hacks, such as pressure‑cooking saag for speed, and shares secret dhaba tricks that are rarely shown elsewhere. The channel balances authenticity with modern convenience, unlike many channels that stick strictly to slow‑cooking methods.
Last updated: August 21, 2026






