Tripura Thaibra Mustard Greens Sesame Boiled Mountain Saag

Ingredients

• 400g fresh mustard greens (sarson ka saag) — washed and roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds — dry-roasted
• 3 garlic cloves — sliced
• 2 green chillies — whole
• 1 tsp ginger — sliced
• 1 tbsp mustard oil
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup water
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Wash mustard greens thoroughly. Roughly chop the leaves and tender stems.
2. Dry-roast sesame seeds in a small pan stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
3. Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a pot. Add sliced garlic, ginger, whole green chillies and turmeric.
4. Add the chopped mustard greens. Cook on medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the greens are completely wilted and tender.
5. Mustard greens have a pleasant mild bitterness that softens with cooking.
6. Add the dry-roasted sesame seeds. Stir.
7. Add 1 tbsp mustard oil directly. Stir. The raw mustard oil finish is a key Tripuri technique.
8. Season with salt. The greens should be tender, slightly bitter, nutty from sesame and pungent from mustard oil.
9. Serve with steamed rice.