Tambdi Bhaji Recipe – Goan Style Red Amaranth Stir Fry
A vibrant and flavorful dish from Goa, Tambdi Bhaji, or Goan Style Red Amaranth Stir Fry, is a simple yet nourishing vegetarian recipe. This hearty stir-fry is made using the nutritious red amaranth leaves, often served with rice and curry for a balanced meal. The fragrant tempering of cumin seeds, curry leaves, and garlic, combined with the sweetness of the coconut, brings out the natural flavors of the leafy greens.
Perfect for a quick weekday lunch, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to add a touch of Goan cuisine to your home kitchen.
Ingredients for Tambdi Bhaji (Goan Style Red Amaranth Stir Fry)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Amaranth Leaves | 3 cups (tightly packed) |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic Cloves | 4, finely chopped |
| Green Chilies | 2, finely chopped |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 4 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 3 people
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Goan
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Protein | ~3 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~14 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Fat | ~7 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
Instructions to Make Tambdi Bhaji (Goan Style Red Amaranth Stir Fry)
-
Prepare the Red Amaranth Leaves:
Start by thoroughly cleaning the red amaranth leaves. Wash them under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Roughly chop the leaves and set them aside. -
Heat the Oil:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and curry leaves. Let the cumin seeds splutter for a few seconds, releasing their fragrant aroma into the oil. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until it turns golden and aromatic. This step enhances the flavor base of your stir-fry. -
Cook the Onion and Chilies:
Add the chopped onion and green chilies to the pan. Sauté them together until the onions turn translucent and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The green chilies will infuse the dish with a mild heat. -
Add the Red Amaranth Leaves:
Next, add the chopped red amaranth leaves to the pan. Season with salt and give everything a good stir. Cook the amaranth for about 5 minutes, allowing it to wilt and soften. As the greens cook, they will release some moisture, so don’t worry if the pan seems a bit wet initially. -
Finish the Dish:
Once the water released by the amaranth has evaporated and the greens are tender, add the grated fresh coconut. Stir well to combine the coconut with the cooked amaranth, allowing the coconut to melt into the dish and infuse its natural sweetness. -
Serve:
Once everything is cooked through and well-mixed, turn off the heat. Serve your Tambdi Bhaji hot with Steamed Rice and a flavorful Goan Style Mushroom Vindaloo for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Tambdi Bhaji
- Coconut: If fresh coconut is not available, you can use desiccated coconut or frozen grated coconut, though fresh will give the dish a richer taste.
- Amaranth Variations: You can use any type of amaranth leaves for this recipe, but red amaranth is traditionally used for its slightly earthy flavor and vibrant color.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your preferred spice level. You can also add a pinch of red chili powder for extra heat.
- Serving Suggestion: For an authentic Goan experience, pair this dish with Goan Style Mushroom Vindaloo, Curry Rice, or even a simple dal for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Why You Should Try Tambdi Bhaji
Tambdi Bhaji is a simple yet delicious dish that is not only nutritious but also bursting with bold Goan flavors. It’s a great way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet, while also experiencing a traditional taste of Goa. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a healthy side dish to complement your main course, this Goan-style stir-fry is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy the goodness of Tambdi Bhaji, a dish that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful!
