Bengali Style Shak Bhaja (Stir Fried Green Amaranth Leaves)
Serves: 2-3 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
Description:
Bengali Style Shak Bhaja is a flavorful vegetarian dish made with fresh green amaranth leaves. This unique recipe brings together the earthy flavor of amaranth leaves, crunchy roasted peanuts, and the subtle heat of dry red chilies, garlic, and ginger. The dish is typically sautéed in mustard oil, making it an authentic Bengali delight. The combination of ingredients enhances the taste, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch when paired with rice and dal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh amaranth leaves | 300 grams |
| Poppy seeds (khus khus) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Roasted peanuts | 1/2 cup |
| Dry red chilies | 2 whole |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Cumin powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard oil | As needed for cooking |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Amaranth Leaves:
Start by thoroughly washing the amaranth leaves. Once cleaned, chop them finely. Place the leaves in a saucepan with a little water and cook on high heat for about 2 minutes. This helps soften the leaves and reduces their raw bitterness. -
Roast the Peanuts:
Heat some mustard oil in a pan and add the roasted peanuts. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become crisp. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside. -
Sauté the Spices:
In the same pan, add more mustard oil if needed. Drop in the dry red chilies, poppy seeds (khus khus), chopped ginger, and garlic. Sauté for about 20 seconds or until fragrant. -
Add the Amaranth Leaves:
Once the spices release their aroma, add the cooked amaranth leaves to the pan. Mix everything well to combine. Add the roasted peanuts back into the pan, followed by salt to taste. -
Final Cooking:
Stir the mixture well and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Serve:
Serve hot as a side dish with dal, rice, or flatbread (roti). Bengali Style Shak Bhaja is a perfect addition to a traditional Bengali meal, offering a healthy and delicious experience.
Tips & Variations:
- For a deeper flavor, you can try adding a pinch of turmeric powder along with the garlic and ginger.
- You can substitute roasted peanuts with cashews or almonds for a different texture.
- This dish can be served with steamed rice and a simple dal for a wholesome Bengali meal.
Enjoy this traditional Bengali dish as part of your lunch or dinner, and savor the wholesome goodness of amaranth leaves!
