Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1150 · Sarson da Saag

Sarson da Saag, and where to source it

Sarson da Saag — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Sarson da Saag Indian 5best2buy.com

Boil the greens long and low, then mash them with a wooden madhani (churner), not a blender — hand-mashing keeps a rustic texture and stops the saag turning into a smooth green soup; a splash of makki (corn) flour while it simmers binds it.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook60 min
MakesServes 6
CuisineIndian
Cost$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
mustard greens (sarson)
500 g
1 lb
Local / market
spinach
200 g
7 oz
bathua (or more spinach)
100 g
3.5 oz
cornmeal (makki flour)
3 tbsp
45 ml
Local / market
ginger
2 thumbs
minced
garlic
8 cloves
sliced
green chilies
3
3
Local / market
ghee
3 tbsp
45 ml
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Wash and chop all the greens. Boil with green chilies, half the ginger and a little water until very soft, about 40 min.45 min
  2. Mash the greens with a wooden churner. Stir in the cornmeal and simmer another 15–20 min, mashing and stirring so it doesn't stick.20 min
  3. In ghee, fry sliced garlic, remaining ginger and dried red chili till golden and fragrant.4 min
  4. Pour most of the tadka into the saag and stir; top the bowl with the rest and a knob of white butter.2 min
The Toolkit

Large heavy pot · Wooden churner (madhani) · Small tadka pan

Straight Answers
Can you make Sarson da Saag in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Sarson da Saag? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Sarson da Saag ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Sarson da Saag gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Sarson da Saag vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1150