Ingredients

1/4 cup green gram
1/4 cup black gram
1/2 cup butter beans
1 1/2 cups tomato puree
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
salt
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 tablespoon butter
250 g pasta , boiled
1 large onion
15 cloves garlic
10 -12 French beans
1 medium zucchini
1 cup broccoli floret
1/2 bunch spinach
2 medium carrots
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon refined flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 cup cheese , grated
1 pinch saffron
10 -12 peppercorns
salt
The Memorable Saffron And Spinach Casserole is an iconic Indian dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. It's vegetarian and can be made vegan with a few simple substitutions. The combination of beans, pasta, and vegetables in a creamy white sauce make for a filling and satisfying meal. The dish can be made in advance and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep throughout the week.

Instructions

1.Start by boiling the green gram, black gram, and butter beans until they are tender. Once done, strain the water and set aside.
2.In a large pot, heat up the tomato puree and ginger-garlic paste. Add salt and red chili powder to taste.
3.In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until they become soft, then add the French beans, zucchini, broccoli, spinach, and carrots. Sauté for a few minutes.
4.Add the boiled beans, green gram, and black gram to the pot of tomato puree. Mix well and keep aside.
5.In a separate pan, make a white sauce by melting butter and adding refined flour. Cook for a few seconds, then add milk while whisking continuously. Add nutmeg and salt to taste.
6.Mix in grated cheese and stir until it's melted and combined with the white sauce.
7.Preheat the oven to 180°C and layer a baking dish with the boiled pasta and vegetable mix. Pour the white sauce on top and sprinkle saffron and peppercorns. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

PROS

This dish is rich in nutrients and vitamins, making it a great addition to a healthy meal plan.
It’s vegetarian and can be made vegan with some substitutions.

CONS

The preparation can be time-consuming, but it is worth the effort for the delicious result.
It may not be ideal for those with a gluten intolerance due to the use of pasta and refined flour.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Spinach has been known to aid in heart health due to its high levels of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also great for vision and overall bone health. Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, which can help with weight loss and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Saffron has been linked to reducing depression and anxiety, while also having antioxidant properties. Overall, this dish is a great source of nutrition for a balanced diet.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.