Chinese Buddhist Style Mustard Greens

Ingredients

This Chinese Buddhist adaptation of Sarson da saag incorporates the flavors and techniques of Chinese cuisine. The original Indian dish is typically prepared with a combination of mustard greens and spinach, slow-cooked and pureed. In this Chinese Buddhist version, the greens are stir-fried to retain their texture and paired with a unique blend of Chinese spices and seasonings. The dish also incorporates soy sauce and honey to add depth and balance to the flavors, creating a distinct fusion of Indian and Chinese culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Sarson da saag, so you can check it out.

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) mustard greens, washed and chopped 500 grams (1.1 lbs) mustard greens, washed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped mustard greens to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to wilt.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
5. 5.
   Pour the sauce over the mustard greens and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are tender yet still retain some crunch.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and transfer the Chinese Buddhist Style Mustard Greens to a serving dish.
7. 7.
   Serve hot as a main dish or as a side dish with steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mustard greens — Make sure to wash the mustard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Trim off any tough stems before chopping.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Crush the peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder for maximum flavor release.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of dried chili flakes or a small amount of chili oil.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preferences.
• Serve the Chinese Buddhist Style Mustard Greens with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and nuttiness.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavors and colors.
• If you prefer a saucier dish, double the sauce ingredients and toss the mustard greens in the sauce until well-coated.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese Buddhist Style Mustard Greens as a main dish accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stir-fried mustard greens neatly on a serving platter, allowing their vibrant green color to shine through. Drizzle a little extra sauce over the top for a glossy finish. Serve with chopsticks for an authentic Chinese dining experience.