Sindhi Sai Bhaji Recipe – A Heartwarming Sindhi Delicacy
Sindhi Sai Bhaji is a flavorful, hearty, and healthy one-pot dish that perfectly balances the goodness of various lentils and vegetables with aromatic spices. This dish, typically served with Bhuga Rice, Sidhi Koki, and a refreshing Gourd Raita, is a comforting meal for any day, especially when you’re looking for something nutritious and satisfying. It’s a staple in Sindhi cuisine and offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will surely win over your tastebuds.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (Palak) | 1 cup (finely chopped) |
| Fenugreek (Methi) | 1 cup (finely chopped) |
| Heart Leaves (Dil ke Patte) | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Chana Dal | 1/4 cup (washed and soaked) |
| Green Moong Dal | 1/4 cup (split) |
| Carrots | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Green Beans | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Eggplant (Baingan) | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Gourd (Lauki) | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Onions | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Tomatoes | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Raw Mango | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Ginger | 1 inch (finely chopped) |
| Green Chilies | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric Powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (finely chopped) |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
| Sugars | 6 g |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Soak Lentils: Start by washing and soaking chana dal and green moong dal in water for about 30 minutes. This softens the lentils, ensuring they cook faster and blend seamlessly with the vegetables.
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Prep the Vegetables: Thoroughly wash and chop all the vegetables: spinach, fenugreek, heart leaves, carrots, green beans, eggplant, gourd, onions, tomatoes, and raw mango. Set them aside separately.
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Cook the Base: In a pressure cooker, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and golden. Add the ginger and green chilies, sautéing for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the Vegetables: Now, add the chopped carrots, green beans, eggplant, gourd, and tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
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Incorporate Lentils and Spices: Add the soaked chana dal, green moong dal, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to coat the vegetables and lentils evenly.
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Add Leafy Greens: Now, stir in the spinach and fenugreek leaves. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
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Pressure Cook: Add about 2 cups of water to the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook for about 4-5 whistles on medium heat. Once done, turn off the gas and allow the pressure to release naturally.
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Mash the Bhaji: After the pressure has released, open the lid and use a masher to mash the vegetables and lentils into a smooth, thick consistency. Set the bhaji aside while you prepare the tempering.
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Prepare the Tempering: In a small tempering pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it turns light brown. Then, add the red chili powder and cook for another 10 seconds. Remove from heat.
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Combine and Serve: Pour the prepared tempering over the cooked bhaji. Stir well to combine the flavors, and your Sindhi Sai Bhaji is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Sindhi Sai Bhaji hot with Bhuga Rice, Sidhi Koki (Sindhi flatbread), and a refreshing Lauki (Bottle Gourd) Raita. The combination of these dishes makes for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
This delightful dish is not only delicious but also diabetic-friendly due to the presence of fiber-rich vegetables and lentils, making it a great choice for those watching their blood sugar levels. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive meal, Sindhi Sai Bhaji brings warmth and comfort to your table.
Pro Tip: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a different twist on this traditional recipe.
