Sarson (Mustard Greens) – Versatile & Nutrient–Rich

Sarson (mustard greens) is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various traditional Indian dishes beyond the beloved Sarson ka Saag. Here are some other delightful dishes you can prepare using mustard greens, along with their recipes:

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1. Sarson ki Roti (Mustard Green Flatbread)  

Ingredients:  

– 2 cups whole wheat flour  

– 1 cup finely chopped mustard greens  

– 1 green chilli (finely chopped)  

– 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)  

– Salt to taste  

– Water for kneading  

– Ghee for cooking  

Method:  

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, mustard greens, green chilli, ajwain, and salt.  
2. Gradually add water and knead into a smooth dough. Rest for 15 minutes.  
3. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them into rotis (flatbreads).  
4. Cook on a hot tawa (griddle), applying ghee, until both sides are golden brown.  
5. Serve hot with yoghurt or pickle.  

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2. Sarson ki Kadhi (Mustard Green Curry)  

Ingredients:  

– 1 cup mustard greens (finely chopped)  

– 1 cup yoghurt  

– 2 tbsp gram flour (besan)  

– 1 tsp turmeric powder  

– 1 tsp mustard seeds  

– 2 dried red chillies  

– 1 tbsp ghee  

– Salt to taste  

Method:  

1. Whisk together yoghurt, gram flour, turmeric, and 2 cups of water.  
2. In a pan, heat ghee and add mustard seeds and dried red chillies. Let them splutter.  
3. Add the chopped mustard greens and sauté for a few minutes.  
4. Pour the yoghurt mixture into the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.  
5. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  
6. Serve hot with steamed rice or parathas.  

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3. Sarson ki Chutney (Mustard Green Dip)  

Ingredients:  

– 1 cup mustard greens (roughly chopped)  

– 2 green chillies  

– 4 garlic cloves  

– 1 tsp cumin seeds  

– Salt to taste  

– 1 tbsp mustard oil  

Method:  

1. Boil the mustard greens with green chillies and garlic until tender. Drain and cool.  
2. Blend the boiled ingredients with cumin seeds and salt to a smooth paste.  
3. Heat mustard oil until smoking, then let it cool slightly and mix into the chutney.  
4. Serve with pakoras, samosas, or as a side for rice and dal.  

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4. Sarson ki Bhurji (Mustard Green Stir-fry)  

Ingredients:  

– 2 cups mustard greens (finely chopped)  

– 1 onion (finely chopped)  

– 1 tomato (chopped)  

– 2 green chillies (slit)  

– 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste  

– 1 tsp cumin seeds  

– 1 tbsp mustard oil  

– Salt and spices (turmeric, coriander powder) to taste  

Method:  

1. Heat mustard oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle.  
2. Add the onions and green chillies, sautéing until golden.  
3. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and tomato, cooking until soft.  
4. Add the mustard greens, salt, and spices. Cook on low heat until the greens are tender.  
5. Serve with chapatis or as a side dish.  

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5. Sarson Aur Makai ki Kheer (Mustard Green and Corn Pudding)  

Ingredients:  

– 1 cup mustard greens (finely chopped)  

– ½ cup corn kernels (boiled)  

– 1 litre full cream milk  

– 4 tbsp sugar  

– A pinch of cardamom powder  

– Chopped nuts for garnish  

Method:  

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, boil milk until it reduces slightly.  
2. Add the mustard greens and corn kernels, cooking on low heat.  
3. Stir in sugar and cardamom powder, simmering until the mixture thickens.  
4. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm or chilled.  

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6. Sarson ka Achar (Mustard Green Pickle)

Ingredients:  

– 2 cups mustard greens (blanched and dried)  

– 1 tbsp mustard seeds (crushed)  

– 1 tsp turmeric powder  

– 1 tsp red chilli powder  

– ½ cup mustard oil  

– Salt to taste  

Method:  

1. Mix the mustard greens with mustard seeds, turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt.  
2. Heat mustard oil until smoking, then cool slightly and pour over the greens.  
3. Store in an airtight container and let it mature for a few days before serving.  

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These recipes showcase the versatility of sarson in Indian cuisine, allowing you to create an array of flavoursome dishes that go beyond the traditional Sarson ka Saag. Bon appétit!