Description
A flavorful and comforting Butter Bean Saag recipe combining creamy butter beans with vibrant spinach and aromatic Indian spices, perfect for a nutritious vegetarian meal served alongside chapatis and mango chutney.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 25g ghee or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp black mustard seeds
- 20g ginger, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 green chilli (deseeded if you prefer less heat), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (optional)
- 400g frozen spinach
- 400g can butter beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Chapatis and mango chutney, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the fat: Heat the ghee or butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and black mustard seeds. Fry for 5 minutes until the onion is golden around the edges and the mustard seeds start popping, releasing their aroma.
- Add fresh ingredients: Stir in the grated ginger, garlic, chopped green chilli, and tomato purée. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly caramelized, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Incorporate spices and spinach: Mix in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and dried fenugreek leaves if using. Add frozen spinach along with a splash of water. Let simmer for 10 minutes until spinach is fully defrosted and the liquid has thickened.
- Finish with beans and seasoning: Stir in the drained butter beans and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve hot with chapatis and mango chutney on the side for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Deseed the green chilli to reduce heat if preferred.
- Dried fenugreek leaves add an authentic flavor but are optional.
- Use ghee for a richer taste or butter as an alternative.
- Ensure to rinse canned butter beans well to reduce sodium content.
- Adjust seasoning after adding lemon juice to balance acidity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Butter Bean Saag, Indian Recipe, Spinach and Beans, Vegetarian Indian Dish, Healthy Indian Curry
