Goan Style Maskachi Bhaji Recipe – Moringa Leaves Stir Fry with Jackfruit Seeds
A delicious, healthy side dish from Goan cuisine, Goan Maskachi Bhaji is a flavorful stir fry featuring drumstick leaves (Moringa) and jackfruit seeds. With a perfect blend of spices, jaggery, and freshly grated coconut, this vegetarian dish is a wonderful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Drumstick Leaves (Moringa/Murungai Keerai) | 6 sprigs |
| Jackfruit Seeds (Kathal) | 8 seeds |
| Dry Red Chillies | 3 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 3 tbsp |
| Jaggery | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
Note: Nutritional information is an approximation based on ingredients and standard serving sizes.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Goan
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Soak the Jackfruit Seeds: Start by soaking the jackfruit seeds in hot water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, peel the seeds and cut them into small pieces. Set them aside.
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Prepare the Moringa Leaves: Take the Moringa leaves (drumstick leaves) and separate them from the stems. Discard the stems. Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once clean, chop the leaves finely and set them aside.
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Pressure Cook the Ingredients: In a pressure cooker, add the chopped Moringa leaves, jackfruit seeds, and dry red chillies along with 1/4 cup of water. Close the lid and cook for 3 whistles. After the cooking time is up, turn off the flame and allow the pressure to release naturally.
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Sauté the Onions: While the Moringa leaves and jackfruit seeds are cooking, heat oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Cooked Moringa Leaves and Jackfruit Seeds: Once the onions are sautéed, add the cooked Moringa leaves and jackfruit seeds to the kadai. Stir everything together so that the flavors blend well.
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Season the Bhaji: Add the turmeric powder and jaggery to the mixture. Stir well until the jaggery dissolves and the spices combine with the vegetables. Season with salt to taste.
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Finish with Coconut: Sprinkle the freshly grated coconut over the bhaji and give it a final stir. The coconut will add a rich, natural sweetness and depth to the dish.
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Serve: Your Goan Maskachi Bhaji is now ready to be served. This dish pairs beautifully with Arhar Ki Dal with Lahsun Tadka and Steamed Rice for a comforting and nutritious meal. Alternatively, for a diabetic-friendly Indian meal, enjoy it with Horsegram Dal and Jowar Bhakri.
Tips and Variations:
- Jackfruit Seeds: If fresh jackfruit seeds are not available, you can also use dried jackfruit seeds. Just ensure to soak them thoroughly before cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of dry red chillies based on your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of red chilli powder for more heat.
- Coconut: Fresh grated coconut is ideal for this recipe, but if it’s unavailable, you can use desiccated coconut. Just make sure to soak it in warm water for a few minutes to soften it.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
Goan Style Maskachi Bhaji is a flavorful, healthy side dish that brings together the goodness of moringa leaves and jackfruit seeds. Moringa, often called the “drumstick tree,” is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, making it a perfect addition to any diet. The jackfruit seeds add a delightful texture and are rich in protein and fiber. Combined with a hint of sweetness from jaggery and the aromatic freshness of coconut, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors.
Whether you serve it as part of a traditional Goan meal or as a standalone dish with your favorite curry, Maskachi Bhaji is sure to become a family favorite.
Enjoy your Goan Style Maskachi Bhaji with the goodness of moringa leaves and jackfruit seeds!
