Swiss Chard Chana Saag Recipe

Enjoy the rich flavors of Swiss chard chana saag, a nutritious curry using chickpeas, spinach, and spices. Easy to make and perfect for weeknight meals.

What is Saag?

Saag is a traditional Indian dish made with leafy green vegetables. The term “saag” refers to a mix of greens, with spinach being the most commonly used option. Other greens that can be used for saag include mustard greens, collard greens, kale, beet leaves, and swiss chard. The greens are typically cooked down into a flavorful curry or stew, making saag a nutritious and delicious dish that can be enjoyed with rice or roti or naan.

Ingredients for Swiss Chard Chana Saag:

Following are the ingredients required to make this delicious Saag Chana recipe along with the measurements for 4 servings.

• 1 cup dry chickpeas
• 300 g Swiss Chard
• Masala base
• Water to achieve desired consistency
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ inch fresh ginger, minced
• 2-3 Green chili pepper
• 1 medium tomato roughly chopped
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil or oil of choice
• 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garam masala

Tempering:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, csliced
• 3-4 dried red chili peppers
• Pinch of asafoetida/hing

Garnish:

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Chopped coriander

Substitutes for Swiss Chard Chana Saag Ingredients

Saag chana is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chickpeas with flavorful spinach. However, if you’re missing some of the ingredients or looking for alternatives, here are a few substitutes you can use:

For Saag (Spinach):

1. Kale: Kale is a great substitute for spinach as it has a similar taste and texture. You can use it in the same proportion as spinach in the recipe.
2. Swiss chard: Swiss chard has a slightly earthy flavor and can be used as a substitute for spinach. Just remove the stems and use the leaves in your saag chana.
3. Mustard greens: Mustard greens have a slightly peppery taste, but they work well as a replacement for spinach in saag chana. Use them in the same quantity as spinach.

For Chana (Chickpeas):

1. Kidney beans: If you don’t have chickpeas, kidney beans can be a suitable substitute. They have a similar texture and can add a hearty element to your dish.
2. Black-eyed peas: Another great alternative to chickpeas is black-eyed peas. They have a mild flavor and a creamy texture that can work well in saag chana.
3. Lentils: Lentils can be a flavorful and protein-packed substitution for chickpeas in saag chana. Opt for green or brown lentils as they hold their shape well when cooked.

For Ground Spices:

1. Garam masala: If you don’t have all the individual spices, garam masala can be a convenient substitute. It usually contains a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Be mindful of the quantity, as garam masala can be quite potent.

How to store Saag Chana?

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheat in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
3. You can also freeze the Chana Saag for longer storage. Transfer cooled curry to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Other curries from the blog:

• Best Chana Masala – Chickpea Curry
• Kerala Kadala Curry (Brown Chickpea coconut curry)
• Easy Chana Masala (an easier version)
• Vegan Chickpea Curry
• Creamy Lentil Tofu Masala
• Mushroom Masala – Restaurant Style
• Vegan Malai Kofta
• Vegan Palak Paneer (Tofu)

Swiss Chard Chana Saag Recipe

This Swiss Chard Chana Saag is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender Swiss chard with protein-packed chickpeas, simmered in a richly spiced tomato and masala base. Perfect for a hearty meal, this recipe is not only filling but also bursts with the flavors of fresh herbs and spices.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 286 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup dry chickpeas 240 g
• 1 lbs Swiss chard about 500 g

Masala base

• 1 tbsp olive oil 15 ml
• 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1½ inch piece fresh ginger minced (4 cm)
• 2-3 green chili peppers adjusted to taste
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 medium tomato roughly chopped
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1½ tsp salt divided into two portions of ¾ tsp

Tempering:

• 3-4 dried red chili peppers for tempering sliced for tempering
• 2 cloves garlic
• A pinch of asafoetida hing

Instructions

 

Preparation of Chickpeas:

• Soak the chickpeas overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain and cook in fresh water until tender, about 40 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Swiss Chard:

• Rinse Swiss chard thoroughly. Separate the white stems and green leaves if desired. Blanch the leaves for about 2 minutes in boiling water, then drain and set aside.

Make the Masala:

• In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter until fragrant.
• Add onions and sauté until translucent. Introduce minced garlic, ginger, and green chili peppers. Cook for about 20 seconds or until the raw smell disappears.
• Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for another 30 seconds before adding the tomatoes. Continue cooking until the tomatoes soften completely.
• Let the mixture cool slightly, then transfer to a blender. Add the blanched Swiss chard and a bit of water to achieve a smooth consistency when blended.

Combine and Simmer:

• Return the blended mixture to the pan. Add cooked chickpeas and additional water if needed to adjust the consistency. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Prepare the Tempering:

• In a small skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sliced garlic and fry until golden. Add dried red chili peppers and fry for a few seconds before sprinkling asafoetida over the oil. Turn off the heat.
• Pour the tempering over the simmering saag. Cover and let sit for another 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Serve:

• Serve the Swiss Chard Chana Saag hot, accompanied by naan or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 15gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 398mgPotassium: 1173mgFiber: 13gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 7634IUVitamin C: 93mgCalcium: 147mgIron: 7mg

Keyword Chana Saag, Chickpeas, Swiss Chard

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