Malvani Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe
Introduction
Malvani Kurkuri Bhindi, a delightful dish hailing from the coastal regions of Maharashtra, India, is a unique and flavorful preparation of ladyfinger (bhindi) that embodies the essence of Malvani cuisine. This recipe marries the crispy texture of the fried ladyfinger with a medley of aromatic spices, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal as a side dish for a cozy dinner, it pairs beautifully with lentil dishes, raita, or chapati.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ladyfinger (Bhindi) | 700 grams, washed and chopped |
| Peanuts | 3 tablespoons, roasted and crushed |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry red chilies | 2, broken |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Carom seeds (Ajwain) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Naga Kesar (Crocus) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 stick |
| Cloves | 3 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Stone flower (Dagad Phool) | 1 |
| Green cardamom | 1 large |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 200 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking | 20 minutes |
| Total | 30 minutes |
Instructions
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Prepare the Malvani Masala: Start by making the Malvani masala, which is the heart of this dish. Take a small pan and add coriander seeds, broken dry red chilies, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, carom seeds, whole black pepper, nutmeg powder, Naga Kesar, asafoetida, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, stone flower, and green cardamom.
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Roast the Spices: Toast these spices on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become aromatic, ensuring they do not burn. Once roasted, set the mixture aside to cool.
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Grind the Spices: After the spices have cooled, transfer them to a spice grinder or a blender and grind to a fine powder. Set this masala aside for later use.
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Prepare the Peanuts: In the same pan, add the peanuts and roast them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden. After roasting, allow them to cool slightly. Once cooled, rub the peanuts between your hands to remove the skins and coarsely crush them using a mortar and pestle. Set this aside as well.
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Cook the Ladyfinger: In a large pan or kadai, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped ladyfinger and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the ladyfinger to become tender and slightly crispy.
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Combine Everything: Once the ladyfinger is cooked, add 2 tablespoons of the prepared Malvani masala and salt to taste. Stir well to ensure the spices coat the ladyfinger evenly. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the ladyfinger is well combined with the spices.
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Finish with Peanuts: Turn off the heat and fold in the roasted and crushed peanuts. Mix gently to combine, ensuring the peanuts are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
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Serve Hot: Serve the Malvani Kurkuri Bhindi hot, accompanied by Dal Palak, Lauki Raita, and warm chapatis for a wholesome meal.
Conclusion
Malvani Kurkuri Bhindi is more than just a dish; it is an experience that brings together the rich flavors of spices and the crunchy texture of ladyfinger. With its easy preparation and delectable taste, it is perfect for both family dinners and festive occasions. Enjoy this culinary treasure from the Malvani coast and let its flavors transport you to the vibrant streets of Maharashtra.
