Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in your large pot and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add all the greens (spinach, mustard greens, and fenugreek) and blanch for exactly 3 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Immediately drain the greens in your colander and plunge them into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After 2 minutes, drain thoroughly and squeeze out as much excess water as possible using your hands or by pressing against the colander.
- Transfer the drained greens to your blender and pulse into a coarse puree, adding just 2 to 3 tablespoons of water if needed to help the blades move. Don't over-blend; you want a rustic, slightly chunky texture.
- Heat the ghee in your heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant and darkened slightly. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown.
- Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies, cooking for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears. Add the chopped tomato and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it breaks down completely and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- Add the ground coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and Kashmiri chili powder to the aromatic base. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices in the oil.
- Add the pureed greens to the spiced base along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together thoroughly, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. If using cornmeal for texture, sprinkle it in after 5 minutes of simmering and stir well to prevent lumps.
- Stir in the cream or yogurt and the tablespoon of butter, mixing until fully incorporated. Let it cook for 2 more minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Notes
Saag tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen and meld overnight. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to restore the perfect consistency. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Don't skip the mustard greens for authentic flavor. Properly caramelize onions for depth of flavor. Add cream off heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling.
