In a village near Faisalabad, Pakistan, Chaudhary Saleem has become an internet sensation for his extraordinary winter tradition that celebrates generosity and the beloved dish of sarson ka saag. Every year, he prepares a significant amount of this traditional mustard greens curry and distributes it among his friends, keeping alive a custom that beautifully blends culinary heritage with community spirit.
A viral video posted by Instagram account @mrzezothefoodie showcased the elaborate preparation process, which has captivated food lovers across borders. The production is nothing short of impressive, the mustard greens (sarson) are cut, cleaned, and chopped using machines before being thoroughly washed and placed in large cooking vessels.
The saag undergoes slow-cooking for nine hours, after which excess water is drained to reduce bitterness. Fresh water is then added along with salt and green chili paste for another hour of cooking. Following this, makki ka atta (corn flour) is mixed in, and the entire mixture is transferred to a degh (traditional cauldron) where it’s pureed using machines before being packaged for distribution.
The video struck an emotional chord with viewers on both sides of the India-Pakistan border, with one commenter noting it perfectly: “divided by border, united by saag.” The response has been overwhelming, with people expressing nostalgia and appreciation for this authentic preparation method that honors traditional cooking techniques while spreading joy through food.
