Sarson da saay

[Naftal]

I just learned that a common weed in my neighborhood (Chenopodium Album) is the main ingredient of this dish. Can anyone give me a recipe for Sarson da saay? I used the latin name because this plant has many common names.I do know that this plant is sometimes refered to as mustard greens and there is a curry dish that cooks this item with onions and potatos. I do not know if this is is the same dish.If they are different, I'd like to know both recipes.This plant is known as Bathua or Bathuwa in India. Thanks!

Edited July 22, 2012 by Naftal (log)

[anzu]

Bathua is not the same as mustard greens. Mustard greens are called sarson in Hindi and Punjabi, hence the name of the dish sarson da saag (saag -not saay - being pretty much any greens).

However, bathua grows as a weed throughout northern India and is indeed sold and cooked as a vegetable. Since it is often found growing along with mustard greens, traditionally the two types of greens could often be cooked together. If you see a sarson da saag recipe calling for mustard greens and spinach, substitute bathua for the spinach.

[Naftal]

Bathua is not the same as mustard greens. Mustard greens are called sarson in Hindi and Punjabi, hence the name of the dish sarson da saag (saag -not saay - being pretty much any greens).

However, bathua grows as a weed throughout northern India and is indeed sold and cooked as a vegetable. Since it is often found growing along with mustard greens, traditionally the two types of greens could often be cooked together. If you see a sarson da saag recipe calling for mustard greens and spinach, substitute bathua for the spinach.

Thank you so much for this information. It clarified things. Now if only I could find a recipe.

[ericparkr]

It's sarson da saag not saay. It's the most delicious and tatsy food of the North India. Specially it's the traditional dish of Punjab. It is served with butter and maize chappati (makki ki roti). It is cooked by chooping the mustard green and then boil in pressure cooker for some time and then you can use maize flour for making thick it and then after cooked by using onions that must be in large quntaity as compared to other dishes and other ingredients like jeera, daniya, chilly powder (indian names) etc. according to your taste.

Edited June 12, 2013 by ericparkr (log)

[SylviaLovegren]

I've never had sarson da saag but here's a recipe (which includes the chenopodium): http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/sarson-ka-saag/

The weed is known in North America as lamb's quarters and is good fresh and raw in salads, or cooked like spinach.

[djyee100]

This is a recipe from Indian chef and cookbook author Ruta Kahate.

SPICY INDIAN GREENS
Adapted recipe from Ruta Kahate
In a large pot, combine 2 lbs pared & chopped up mustard greens; 1/2 lb spinach; 2-inch piece of fresh gingerroot, peeled, then chopped or grated; 2-3 serrano chile peppers, trimmed and sliced; 4 cups water; approx 2 tsp salt. Boil down this mixture until only 1 cup of liquid is left at the bottom of the pot. Puree in a blender. Return mixture to the pot and place over moderate heat. Combine with 2 TB fine corn flour and 1 stick of unsalted butter (4 oz). Taste and adjust for salt. Serve with flatbreads.


I first tasted this dish at a cooking class that Ruta gave on Indian breads. I was overwhelmed by the wonderfulness of this dish, and asked Ruta for the recipe. Then I almost keeled over when she told me how much butter is in it. Ruta told me sternly that if I wanted to replicate the taste, I had to add that much butter. Well, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. The dish still tastes good with less butter.

[patrickamory]

I wonder whether it would be more appropriate to use ghee than butter?

If so, what proportion of ghee to the recommended amount of butter?