Shukto

 

Although people associate Bengalis with fish and Rasogolla mostly, but a Bengali kitchen is famous for churning out some of the best and most delectable vegetarian dishes. Shukto is just one of the many vegetarian dishes that are delicious and good for your health as well. Quintessentially Bengali, Shukto is an amalgamation of many vegetables put together and is light on one’s palate making it a perfect palate cleanser for any occasion before spicy dishes are served.

 

Ingredients:

• Potato

• Karela (bitter gourd)

• Raw banana

• Small sweet potato

• Small bari (small dried lentil dumplings)

• French beans

• Drum stick

• Ginger paste

• Mustard paste

• Turmeric

• Panch foran masala/ Indian Five Spice blend OR Radhuni (check Knack to Know section to know more about this spice)

• Salt & sugar to taste

• Cooking oil

• ½ cup water

• Milk

• Ghee

•  Water

   
  Preparation:

• Cut and wash the vegetables into bite size chunks. Put the pieces into turmeric water.

• Heat oil, fry the dried lentil dumplings and put aside.

• In the same pan, add the panch foran masala or radhuni, and let it splutter.

• Then add the vegetables and sauté for 2 minutes. Remember to add the vegetables that take time to cook before and the others accordingly.

• Add ginger paste. Stir well continuously so as not to burn any vegetable.

• Cook until the oil separates. Add salt and water and cook until the vegetables are tender.

• Add mustard paste. Mix in well.

• Add the milk.

• Add the fried dried lentil dumplings.

• When it starts to boil, check if vegetables are cooked properly.

• When the desired consistency is reached, add sugar and ghee.

• Remove from heat and serve with steamed rice.

• Remember, that the concoction will not be a very soupy one. There shall be a light yet thick gravy enveloping the vegetables giving the dish a nice texture.