Channa Gajar Saag – Chard or Spinach with Chickpeas

Well, want to start with my 2019 updates – Week 4 into the year 2019, there is some action, time will tell where this will lead me. To combat the bitter cold weather, I made some Channa saag, or chickpeas with green, actually in my case rainbow chard. Pairing chickpeas with greens are common. Usually, a more soupy and wet preparation.

This recipe that I am sharing today, showcases the chard in all its colorful glory, and is somewhat drier in consistency. Actually, prepped this recipe to test and put together for an upcoming cooking class, to pair with parathas. Comfort food done well and right. Perfect for the season. Of course, for me, legumes and greens are perfect for all the weather.

My Channa Saag Story

January has been quite the stellar month of culinary escapades. I have been creating some pretty good stuff, mostly in the good old instant pot, but, done my share of baked things too! Only a crazy jumbled up cook like me will end up doing so much January baking. But as all you wonderful readers know, my kitchen follows my rules. The only place in the world that I am able to control without reservations.

Thank god for that! With all the running around that the children are doing these days, I almost feel that I am spending even more time husling up meals. More meals on the go… and of course the never ending quest for snacks.

Although it is gratifying even to have the older (read quieter, more phone addicted) teen, run in and tell me she is hungry and glad that I have cooked her favorite comfort food.

Which actually is usually anything with homemade paneer or chickpeas. I guess, protein cravings to keep the young brain going. Often, when cooking chard, I discard the stems. This time I did use the tender bring stems and cooked them along with the chickpeas.

This was a batch from the farmers market and given that it was a winter market, it was a pricey bunch of greens/reds. I did not want to waste anything. The rest of the greens got folded in towards the end. The result, this nutritious and comforting dish.

Some other interesting soulful dishes along these lines include saag alu or potatoes with seasonal greens and home style saag chicken or chicken with greens.

If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group and Legume Love Group. Of course Instant Indian is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.

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