Many types of leafy green vegetables grow well in the winter. Including them in meals is a reflection of the health-promoting practise of eating locally grown, in-season produce. To add taste and nutrition to a variety of regional dishes, these winter greens are frequently used. The following are some typical wintertime green leafy vegetables that are popular in Indian cuisine:
1. Sarso Saag (Mustard Greens): Famous for its distinct, robust, and peppery flavour is sarga saag. Mustard greens give the dish a distinctive bite and a delightful flavour that is not to be missed. The texture of Sarso Saag becomes velvety and creamy when cooked and blended. This dish is comfort food in the winter because of its consistency, which improves the whole eating experience. A savoury umami flavour is enhanced by the addition of mustard greens along with other winter greens. These greens have a strong flavour profile and are substantial. Aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and green chilies are used to season the food. These spices give the Sarso Saag more body and warmth, making it a fragrant and flavorful winter treat. Traditionally, saag is served with makki di roti, a flatbread made of cornmeal.
2. Palak (Spinach): Indian cuisine makes extensive use of the adaptable leafy green known as "pakak," or spinach, especially in the winter. One could characterise spinach as having a mild, earthy, and slightly sweet taste. Spinach absorbs the flavours of the foods it is cooked with and becomes tender. Because of its delicate flavour, spinach is an adaptable ingredient that works well in a wide range of recipes. Spinach leaves have a soft, velvety texture and turn tender and wilted when cooked. The flavours of spices, garlic, onions, and other culinary ingredients are readily absorbed by spinach, which improves the vegetable's flavour. Sautéed or stir-fried spinach, in particular, can bring out nutty undertones through cooking.
3. Bathua (Chenopodium Album): Scientifically called Chenopodium album, bathua is a leafy green vegetable that is popular in some areas, particularly in the winter. The flavour of bathua is earthy and slightly tangy. Many people compare the taste to spinach and say it has a slight bitterness. Some claim that Bathua has nutty undertones in its flavour profile, which gives food a distinctive and enticing touch. It can be used in a variety of culinary applications because the leaves are tender and the overall texture is comparable to other leafy greens. Athua is used in many different recipes, such as mixed vegetable preparations, parathas (flatbreads), and saag, a traditional curry made with leafy greens. Bathua is a popular winter vegetable in many areas, and eating it is linked to feeling warm and cosy during the winter months.
4. Methi (Fenugreek Leaves): The leafy greens that grow on top of radishes are called radish greens, or "Mooli Patte" in Hindi. These greens have a distinct flavour and a host of possible health advantages in addition to being nutrient-dense and edible. Like radish roots, radish greens are typically milder in flavour and have a peppery, slightly bitter taste. Because of their delicate and leafy texture, the greens can be used in cooked dishes, sautés, and salads. Certain types of radish greens may have faint nutty undertones that enhance their flavour. Radish greens, like many other leafy greens, are high in water content, which helps with hydration—especially in the winter when the air can be dry.
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5. Radish Greens (Mooli Patte): The leafy greens that grow on top of radishes are called radish greens, or "Mooli Patte" in Hindi. These greens have a distinct flavour and a host of possible health advantages in addition to being nutrient-dense and edible. Like radish roots, radish greens are typically milder in flavour and have a peppery, slightly bitter taste. Because of their delicate and leafy texture, the greens can be used in cooked dishes, sautés, and salads. Certain types of radish greens may have faint nutty undertones that enhance their flavour. Radish greens, like many other leafy greens, are high in water content, which helps with hydration—especially in the winter when the air can be dry.
6. Coriander (Dhaniya): The adaptable herb coriander, sometimes referred to as dhaniya in Hindi, is frequently used in many different cuisines all over the world. It is renowned for having a unique flavour and scent. The zesty, fresh flavour of coriander gives food a brighter appearance. Cilantro leaves and seeds both add to the overall flavour profile. The seeds have a warm, subtly nutty flavour, and the leaves have a herbaceous, slightly sweet taste. Due to its aromatic nature, coriander improves a dish's overall sensory experience. Coriander's vitamins and antioxidants may support immune function in general, which is crucial in the winter when colds and the flu are more common.