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.
Ingredients
- 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
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