Spinach in sindhi style (Saai Bhaaji)

This traditional Sindhi recipe is a good combination of leafy vegetables with dal which provides plenty of calcium, protein, iron and vitamin A. The greens and veggies in it make it a healthy meal choice. Relish it with steamed rice, pulao or any kind of roti.

Preparation Time: 10 mins

Cooking Time: 35 mins

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

3 tbsp chana dal (split Bengal gram) 

3 cups spinach (palak) , chopped

3/4 cup sua (khatta palak) , chopped

3/4 cup chawli (cow pea) leaves , chopped

1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 cup chopped potatoes

1/2 cup chopped brinjals (baingan / eggplant) (baingan / eggplant)

2 tsp ginger-garlic (adrak-lehsun) paste

1 tsp chilli powder

2 tsp coriander (dhania) (dhania) powder

a pinch of turmeric powder (haldi) (haldi)

1 tbsp oil

salt to taste

Method of Preparation

1.   Combine the chana dal with 1 cup of water and pressure cook for 1 whistle. Drain the excess water and keep aside.

2.   Heat the oil in a pressure cooker and add the cumin seeds.

3.   When the seeds crackle, add the onions, potatoes, brinjals and ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes.

4.   Add the chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and salt and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.

5.   Add the spinach, khatta bhaji, chawli leaves and the cooked chana dal and pressure cook for 2 whistles.

6.   Allow it to cool and whisk the mixture well.

7.   Serve hot.