North Indian Saag Chole (Chickpeas and Greens)

Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 45 min
Servings: 10
Yield: 10 servings

Description

This North Indian vegetarian dish of chickpeas and mustard greens is simple to make and can be easily adjusted to be milder or more spicy.

Ingredients

2 bunches fresh mustard greens
2 bunches fresh spinach
2 1/2 cups water, or as needed, divided
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups finely chopped cabbage
2 cups finely chopped broccoli
1/2 cup corn flour
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, cored and chopped
1 large green chile pepper, seeded and diced
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger, or to taste
salt to taste
1 1/2 cups chickpeas

Directions

1 Wash mustard greens and spinach until all dirt is gone. Trim and remove all fibrous material, then chop greens and set aside.
2 Bring 2 cups water and salt to a boil in a large stockpot. Add mustard greens, spinach, cabbage, and broccoli; cook over medium-high heat until soft, about 10 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
3 Combine 1/2 cup water and corn flour in a bowl to make a runny paste with no lumps. Add it to pureed greens and mix until well combined.
4 Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Mixture should be a medium consistency and not too runny; add more water if too thick.
5 Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add cumin seeds, then add onions and garlic. Saute until onions are translucent, about 8 minutes.
6 Add tomatoes, chile pepper, coriander, and ginger. Season with salt to taste. Add chickpeas and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Gradually stir in cooked greens.