Pitor Ki Sabzi (Peter’s Vegetable Recipe)
This traditional Rajasthani recipe, Pitor Ki Sabzi, offers a delightful and aromatic combination of gram flour (besan) dumplings simmered in a rich yogurt-based curry. The dish is a flavorful treat, ideal for a fulfilling lunch. With crispy pitors (dumplings) paired with a creamy, mildly spicy gravy, this dish will surely win hearts at your table. Whether served with steamed rice or whole wheat lachha paratha, it is a wholesome and delicious meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) – whisked | 1/2 cup (for batter) |
| Water | 2 1/2 cups |
| Green chili – crushed | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Ginger – grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon (for batter) |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon (for batter) |
| Asafoetida (hing) | A pinch |
| Sunflower oil | For shallow frying |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon (for curry) |
| Dry red chilies | 2-3 |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) – whisked | 200 grams (for curry) |
| Green chilies – chopped | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
0 minutes (unless factoring in the cooling of pitors)
Cooking Time:
90 minutes
Total Time:
90 minutes
Servings:
4 servings
Cuisine:
Rajasthani
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pitors (Gram Flour Dumplings)
-
Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, add the gram flour (besan), whisked yogurt, water, grated ginger, and crushed green chilies. Mix everything thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
-
Cook the batter: Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a deep pan or kadhai. Once hot, add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), and stir well.
-
Add the batter: Increase the heat to high. Carefully pour the besan batter into the pan, continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the batter thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
-
Set the batter: Once the batter has thickened, transfer it to a greased plate or thali. Use a flat spoon to smooth the surface and level it out.
-
Cool the pitors: Allow the prepared batter to cool for 45 minutes or until firm enough to cut into pieces.
-
Cut into pieces: Once cooled, cut the pitor into desired shapes and sizes, typically small cubes or rectangles.
-
Shallow fry the pitors: Heat a little oil in a broad, flat pan. Shallow fry the pitors on both sides until they turn golden brown and crisp. Set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Curry
-
Prepare the curd mixture: In a separate bowl, combine whisked yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Beat the mixture well until smooth.
-
Cook the curry base: Heat some oil in a kadhai and add cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle, then add broken dry red chilies. Fry for a few seconds before adding chopped green chilies and frying for an additional few seconds.
-
Add the curd mixture: Reduce the heat to low and carefully pour in the curd-spice mixture. Whisk continuously to ensure the mixture blends well and the spices cook.
-
Adjust consistency: Add water to the curry according to your preferred consistency. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes.
-
Simmer with pitors: Gently add the fried pitors into the curry, being careful not to break them. Let the curry simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the pitors to absorb the flavors.
-
Final seasoning: Taste the curry and adjust the salt as necessary.
-
Serve: Once done, switch off the heat. Serve the hot Pitor Ki Sabzi with steamed rice or whole wheat lachha paratha. Pair it with a side of lauki raita for a complete, satisfying meal.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust consistency: The gravy can be made thick or slightly runny based on your preference. Simply add more or less water to get the desired consistency.
- Crispy pitors: The frying of the pitors is essential to give them a crispy texture, which contrasts nicely with the creamy curry.
- Serving suggestions: For a traditional touch, serve with a cool lauki (bottle gourd) raita, a refreshing cucumber yogurt salad, or any of your favorite Indian breads like paratha, naan, or even chapati.
This Pitor Ki Sabzi brings together the goodness of gram flour dumplings and the tanginess of yogurt in a perfect balance of flavors. A must-try for those seeking an authentic taste of Rajasthan! Enjoy this vegetarian delight with your loved ones for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
