Bengali Style Shaak Bhaja (Stir-Fried Green Amaranth Leaves) Recipe
A simple yet flavorful Bengali dish, Shaak Bhaja is made by stir-frying green amaranth leaves with roasted peanuts, ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. This nutritious vegetarian dish is often served with Lachha Paratha, creating a perfectly satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Amaranth Leaves | 300 grams |
| Poppy Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/2 cup (roasted) |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 |
| Ginger (Grated) | 1 inch piece |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard Oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Green Amaranth:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the green amaranth leaves. Rinse them at least three times to remove any dirt or grit. Once cleaned, chop the leaves roughly and set them aside.
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Cook the Amaranth Leaves:
- In a large pan or vessel, add the chopped green amaranth leaves along with about 1/2 cup of water. Cook the leaves on high heat for about 2 minutes until they wilt and soften. This step ensures the leaves cook down before stir-frying.
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Prepare the Tempering:
- In another Kadai or frying pan, heat mustard oil on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the roasted peanuts and fry them until they turn golden brown. Once done, remove the peanuts and set them aside for later.
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Spices and Aromatics:
- In the same pan, using the remaining oil, add the dry red chillies, poppy seeds, grated ginger, and garlic cloves. Sauté for a couple of minutes, allowing the spices to release their fragrance and the garlic to brown slightly.
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Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked green amaranth leaves to the pan, followed by the roasted peanuts. Sprinkle in the cumin powder (jeera) and adjust the seasoning with salt. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices coat the leaves evenly.
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Final Touch:
- Stir-fry everything together for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the moisture to reduce. The leaves should be tender but not overly dry.
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Serve:
- Serve your hot and flavorful Shaak Bhaja (Stir-Fried Green Amaranth Leaves) with crispy, layered Lachha Paratha for a traditional Bengali lunch experience.
Tips:
- Amaranth Leaves are a nutritious green packed with iron, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a healthy choice for vegetarians.
- The roasted peanuts add a lovely crunch and nuttiness that balances the spices in the dish.
- Lachha Paratha complements the texture of Shaak Bhaja beautifully, creating a perfect meal pairing. Alternatively, you can serve it with steamed rice or chapati.
- Adjust the heat by using more or fewer dry red chillies, depending on your spice tolerance.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 60% of RDI |
| Vitamin C | 25% of RDI |
| Calcium | 6% of RDI |
| Iron | 12% of RDI |
Conclusion:
Bengali Style Shaak Bhaja is a delightful stir-fry that brings the earthy flavors of green amaranth to the forefront, enhanced with aromatic spices and the crunch of roasted peanuts. Perfect for a wholesome lunch, it offers a great balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Whether served with Lachha Paratha or rice, this dish will become a quick favorite in your vegetarian recipe collection!
