Guide to Green Leafy Vegetables

 The idea for this post came from one of my dear friend. She one day asked me what kind of green leafy vegetables you make. I said to her that I make quite a few. She suggested why don't I post pictures and names of the leafy vegetables that we get here in US. I liked her idea and started writing this post. Just a note that I have mentioned only the ones that I have used in my kitchen. There are plenty of leafy greens out there to try!

In marathi we call all leafy greens as पालेभाज्या. My mom makes variety of greens but living in US we might not get all of them as in India. I shop for groceries in a Korean store but they carry all Indian vegetable variety plus all other Indian groceries. 

I tried some new leafy greens and tried to make Indian/Marathi style recipes.

I have listed names of few greens that I normally cook with.

1. Swiss Chard
2. Young Radish
3. Mustard Greens or Sarson/सरसों का साग 
4. Red Shen Choy/लाल माठ 
5. Gongura/Sour Leaf/आंबाडी
6. Spinach/Palak
7. Methi/Fenugreek Leaves

Swiss Chard

 Swiss Chard is loaded with nutrients and extremely low in calories. It comes in lot variety. I have tried both red and green chards. They both taste somewhat same when cooked. High in antioxidants, loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals that your body needs swiss chard is a good leafy vegetable to include in your diet. It can be used in salads, pasta, soups or stir fry. 

Young Radish Green

Radish usualy eaten raw in salads but it's greens are also equally nutritious. So never waste radish greens. Like any other leafy greens radish greens also has tons of health benefits. I have used these young radish and it's greens in a Indian stir fry recipe. 

Mustard Greens

Mustard Greens is commonly known as sarson in India. It is most popular in northern part of India where a delicious preparation called sarson ka saag is made. Mustard green come from mustard plant, it has a very spicy, peppery taste. They are low in calories, rich in fiber and have plenty of micronutrients. Do try Saag Paneer a perfect recipe for winter.

Red Shen Choy/लाल माठ 

In India we get this leafy vegetable called लाल माठ. It's leaves and stems are reddish-pinkish hence the name. I have not seen this vegetable in US but I found something similar called Red Shen Choy in a Korean store which comes close to लाल माठ. I have tried making it couple of times but it was not a family favorite. Other greens are loved more than this one in my house :)

Gongura/Sour Leaf/आंबाडी

This leafy vegetable is known as आंबाडी in Maharashtra and Gongura in Southern part of India. My mother in law introduced me to this vegetable and I instantly liked it. It's sour in taste when cooked, so you have to balance it with little bit of sweetness and some rice, lentils and besan to perfect the consistency of this vegetables! 

I think Spinach and Methi doesn't need any introduction as they are quite common in all the households :)

Notes-: If you have tried any other uncommon or common leafy greens please comment below. We would love to hear it and try it out.