Rinse thoroughly 3–4 times until water runs clear. Removing grit is essential.
Pressure cook
Add all the greens, mooli, onion, ginger, garlic, chilies, salt, and water to the Instant Pot.
Press down to fit.
Cook 6 minutes on Manual. Let pressure release naturally.
Mash and add Allan
Open the lid.
Use a masher or mudani to mash the greens.
Add makki ka atta and mash continuously until the saag thickens and everything blends together.
Cool and store (optional)
If meal prepping, let the saag cool and store in a large airtight container.
Make the tempering
Heat ghee. Add ajwain, and dried red chili.
Add garlic and ginger; sauté 1 minute.
Add onion and salt. Cook until translucent.
Add saag into the tadka and heat through.
Serve hot
Finish with white makhan and pair with freshly made makki di roti.
Video
Notes
In Punjabi cooking, Allan refers to the process of adding makki ka atta (corn flour) to the cooked greens and mashing everything together. It has three important purposes:
Thickening
Greens release a lot of water. Makki ka atta absorbs the excess liquid and gives the saag its signature thick, creamy texture.
Binding
The flour helps all the different greens — mustard, spinach, mooli — come together into one smooth mixture instead of staying loose or watery.
Flavor
The corn flour adds a mild earthiness and depth that balances the sharp mustard greens. Without it, the saag tastes incomplete.