Winter-Special Greens: Varieties, Health Benefits, Recipes, and More

The importance of eating local, seasonal and healthy food has been highlighted a lot in recent times. Fresh, organic products that are ultra-locally sourced are said to be the best bet to stay fit and healthy. When it comes to winters too, there are so many wonderful ingredients available all over India. Be it peas, carrots, beetroot, cauliflower, radish, or a host of green leafy vegetables – these foods not only taste delicious but are also extremely beneficial for winters. Even the plain saag made across Indian states is a great way to enjoy the winter season. But what exactly are greens? And what are its different types and recipes? Here’s everything you need to know about winter-special greens.

What is winter-special saag: Are saag and spinach the same?

Saag is one of the most prepared recipes in the winter season. But what exactly is this winter-special ingredient? Saag is nothing but another word for a vegetable made from leafy greens which are found in abundance in Winter season, Generally, the term saag signifies that leafy greens are boiled and pureed, and then an interesting tadka is added to enhance the taste and feel.

Saag is not the same as spinach, as saag is a broad category of leafy greens cooked in the winter season. Meanwhile, palak is the Hindi word for spinach and is included in the same category of leafy green vegetables.

(Also Read: Cold wave: 7 warm and nutritious recipes to beat the winter chill,

Are greens healthy for us? , health benefits of greens

We all have heard from our mothers and grandmothers that green leafy vegetables are very beneficial for our health. But what is it that makes greens especially healthy? Here are some amazing health benefits of greens:

1. full of antioxidants Whichever type of green you consume, it is rich in antioxidants such as phytonutrients, flavonoids and polyphenols, as well as vitamins A, C and K. Minerals like iron, potassium and manganese are also found in abundance in greens. They reduce oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
2. Excellent for Winter Immunity Due to the abundance of vitamin C in greens, it is very good for immunity. By consuming greens, you can keep away cold and cough and avoid seasonal diseases in cold weather.
3. good for digestion There is a good amount of fiber in all types of greens. It can help in easing bowel movements and keeping the digestion process smooth. It can also help in making weight loss easier.

How many types of greens are there in India? , varieties of greens

Since the definition of greens is so broad, there are many types of greens found in India. Basically, the leafy parts of any plant can be cooked and consumed as greens. Here are some varieties of greens that can be found in India:

• Mustard greens (mustard leaves)
• Bathua saag (lamb quarter leaves)
• Drumstick greens (drumstick leaves)
• Arbi ka saag (colocasia leaves)
• Palak ka saag (spinach leaves)
• Hak Saag (Collard Greens)
• Gongura Saag (Roselle leaves)
• soy greens
• Chana Patta Saag (Kabuli gram leaves)
• Green and red chulai ka saag (amarnath leaves)
• Kulfa saag (purslane leaves)
• Poi Saag (Malabar Spinach Leaves)

(Also Read: This winter-special palak ka saag recipe will make you forget everything,

_{Kadam Saag is a Kashmiri style recipe made with a special recipe.}

Cooking with greens | 5 Best Saag Recipes From India You Have To Try

Interestingly, greens can be consumed alone or combined with other ingredients to make some unique dishes. Apart from makki ki roti and sarson ka saag, there are a lot of saag recipes out there which are definitely worth a taste. We’ve compiled five of the best greens recipes from India that you must try at least once.

1. Chicken Saagwala

Nutritious and flavourful, this Chicken Saagwala is made by combining chicken pieces with spinach puree. The result is a gravy that is truly delectable, especially in the winter season! Click Here For full recipe.

2. Paneer Kofta Saagwala

While kofta curry is usually made with tomatoes and onions, how about coloring it green? This paneer kofta saagwala is truly a chef-special preparation that will leave you stunned. Get the Full Recipe Here,

(Also Read: 5 health benefits of adding vegetable juices to your winter diet,

_{Chicken Saagwala is an excellent and delicious dish. Photo: NDTV Food}

3. Saag Gosht

combination with severe cold Meat Something we all enjoy. Why not layer the meat with juicy spinach and mustard leaves? This aromatic curry goes well with roti and rice. click here For full recipe.

4. Saag Badi Nariya

Hailing from Orissa, this saag recipe is unusual yet flavourful. In this recipe, chaulai or chaulai saag leaves are cooked with crispy dal badis as well as an interesting addition of coconut. Know about this great recipe Here,

5. Allan Ka Saag

If normal saag isn’t your cup of tea, we recommend trying the aalan ka saag. It is a nutritious and wholesome dish made with spinach mixed with gram flour and moong dal and a tempering of ghee. Trust us, you’ll be licking your lips! click here For full recipe.