Saag is a traditional Pakistani dish made from leafy greens, such as spinach, mustard greens, or fenugreek leaves, cooked with spices. Here's a recipe for making Saag with spinach:
Ingredients:
500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
2 tablespoons ghee or oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced
2-3 green chilies, chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional)
Fresh lemon juice, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the ghee or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook until they start to sizzle.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the chopped spinach to the pot, a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until all the spinach is wilted.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the spinach cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. If using yogurt, stir it into the spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend the spinach mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can mash the spinach with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
9. Return the pot to the heat and simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the saag.
