Authentic Sindhi Sai Bhaji Recipe | Healthy Spinach and Lentil Curry

Sai Bhaji is one of the most beloved dishes from Sindhi cuisine. The word "Sai" means green and "Bhaji" means vegetables. This wholesome one-pot meal combines fresh leafy greens, lentils, and a variety of vegetables into a nutritious and delicious dish.

Ever since I started making this Sai Bhaji at home, it has become a family favorite. Even my husband, who is usually a picky eater, asks for it almost every week! Packed with the goodness of spinach, lentils, and vegetables, this recipe is proof that healthy food can be incredibly tasty.

The best part is its versatility. You can customize the vegetables based on what you have in your refrigerator, making it an excellent recipe for using up leftover vegetables. Traditionally, Sai Bhaji is served with steamed rice, but it also tastes wonderful with roti, paratha, dosa, or even plain bread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich in protein and fiber
✔ Loaded with vitamins and minerals
✔ One-pot healthy meal
✔ Kid-friendly and family-friendly
✔ Perfect for meal prep
✔ Naturally vegetarian and nutritious

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Serves

4

Ingredients

To Be Pressure Cooked

• 2 cups finely chopped spinach (palak)
• ¾ cup chana dal, soaked for 2 hours
• 4 tsp finely chopped onions
• ½ cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ cup finely chopped carrot
• ½ cup finely chopped beans
• ¾ cup cauliflower florets
• ½ cup finely chopped radish
• 1 tsp garam masala (optional)
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 cup water

For Tempering

• 3 tsp oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds (rai)
• ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 6–7 curry leaves
• 2–3 dried red chillies, broken
• 4–5 garlic cloves, crushed

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients listed under "To Be Pressure Cooked" in a pressure cooker.
2. Add water and cook for 2 whistles.
3. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
4. Lightly mash the cooked mixture to achieve a thick consistency.
5. Heat oil in a small pan.
6. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
7. Once they splutter, add curry leaves, red chillies, and crushed garlic.
8. Sauté until fragrant.
9. Pour the tempering over the cooked Sai Bhaji and mix well.
10. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, paratha, or dosa.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed rice
• Phulka or chapati
• Paratha
• Dosa
• Multigrain roti

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Sindhi goodness with your family!  

Khichdi – Healthy Lunch Box Idea for Kids

Khichdi is one of the most comforting and nourishing one-pot meals for kids and elders alike. This wholesome combination of rice, dal, and vegetables was recommended by many of my friends and neighbours for my daughter Varsha ever since she turned one year old.

To make it even more nutritious, I added fresh methi leaves. Traditional khichdi is usually prepared with garam masalas and spices similar to biryani style, but this version is completely mild and non-spicy, making it perfect for kids and even elderly people.

There is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of khichdi during rainy evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp jeera or saunf
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Few mint leaves
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
  • Carrot
  • Beans
  • Cauliflower
  • Potato
  • Methi leaves
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1/4 cup dal
• 1 1/2 cups water

Mild Spice Mix

• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pinch of turmeric powder
• 1 tsp jeera powder
• 1/2 tsp dhaniya powder

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Method

Step 1 – Tempering

Heat oil in a pressure cooker or pan. Add jeera seeds and allow them to crackle.

Step 2 – Sauté

Add mint leaves, chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, and tomato. Sauté until soft.

Step 3 – Add Vegetables

Add all the chopped vegetables along with the mild spice mix. Cook for a few minutes.

Step 4 – Rice & Dal

Add water and the soaked rice-dal mixture.

Mix everything well.

Step 5 – Pressure Cook

Pressure cook for 3 whistles until soft and mushy.

Serve warm with curd, ghee, or papad.

Tips

• For babies and toddlers, mash the khichdi slightly before serving.
• Spice lovers can add green chilli or garam masala for a spicy version.
• Adding ghee enhances both flavour and nutrition.