Spiced Mustard Greens Curry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Punjabi dish featuring tender mustard greens cooked with warming spices and aromatic aromatics. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs mustard greens, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and cook 30 seconds until sizzling.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large chopped onion and cook until golden, 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 chopped green chili (if using). Cook 2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups chopped mustard greens and stir to combine. Cook 2 minutes until wilted.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 tsp turmeric and 1/2 tsp red chili powder. Add 1/2 cup water and salt to taste. Cover and simmer 20 minutes until greens are very tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, cool slightly, then blend with immersion blender until smooth (or transfer to blender in batches).
  7. Step 7: Return to low heat, simmer 5 minutes until well combined. Adjust seasoning, and serve with a dollop of plain yogurt if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Mustard Greens Curry take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Mustard Greens Curry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mustard greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Mustard Greens Curry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Mustard Greens Curry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spiced Mustard Greens Curry vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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