Sindhi Sai Bhaji Recipe: A Delicious One-Pot Dish Full of Flavor and Nutrition
Description:
Sindhi Sai Bhaji is a beloved traditional dish that holds a special place in every Sindhi household. Known for its delightful combination of lentils, green leafy vegetables, and other fresh vegetables, this wholesome recipe is both healthy and delicious. Packed with flavors from garlic, ghee, and a variety of spices, it offers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you are following a diabetic-friendly diet or simply seeking a hearty one-pot meal, Sindhi Sai Bhaji fits the bill. You can even customize it by adding vegetables of your choice, making it a versatile and nutritious meal for the whole family.
Cuisine: Sindhi
Course: One Pot Dish
Diet: Diabetic Friendly
Ingredients for Sindhi Sai Bhaji
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Fenugreek (finely chopped) | 1 cup |
| Dill leaves (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Chana dal (washed and soaked) | 1/4 cup |
| Green moong dal (washed and soaked) | 1/4 cup |
| Carrots (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Green beans (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Brinjal (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Bottle gourd (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 medium |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Raw mango (optional, finely chopped) | 1 small |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Green chilies (finely chopped) | 2 medium |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder | 1 tablespoon |
For Tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Red chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Sindhi Sai Bhaji
-
Soak the Lentils:
Begin by washing the chana dal and green moong dal thoroughly, then soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This softens the lentils and helps them cook faster. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash all the vegetables well, then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Set them aside in separate bowls, ready for cooking. -
Cook the Base:
In a pressure cooker, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Once hot, add the finely chopped onions and cook them until they turn soft and translucent. This forms a sweet base for the flavors. -
Add the Aromatics:
To the onions, add the chopped ginger and green chilies. Sautรฉ for about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to release their fragrance. -
Incorporate the Vegetables:
Add the chopped carrots, green beans, brinjal, bottle gourd, and tomato to the cooker. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. -
Add Lentils and Spices:
Now, add the soaked chana dal and green moong dal along with coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir the mixture well, and cook for an additional minute to blend the spices with the vegetables. -
Add the Green Leaves:
Next, stir in the chopped spinach, fenugreek, and dill leaves. Mix well, and let everything cook together for another minute or so. -
Cook the Bhaji:
Pour 2 cups of water into the pressure cooker, and close the lid. Cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, allowing the vegetables and lentils to cook thoroughly and absorb all the flavors. Once done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. -
Mash the Bhaji:
Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and use a masher to mash the mixture to your desired consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or mash it to a smoother texture, depending on your preference. -
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
In a small frying pan (Tadka pan), heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the finely chopped garlic and sautรฉ it until it turns light brown and aromatic. Immediately add the red chili powder, cooking for just 10 seconds before turning off the heat. -
Finish the Dish:
Pour the prepared tempering over the mashed bhaji and mix well. The ghee and garlic will add a burst of flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting Sindhi Sai Bhaji with Bhuga Rice, Sindhi Koki, and Lauki Raita for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of these dishes with the bhaji creates a balanced and nourishing plate, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
Final Thoughts
Sindhi Sai Bhaji is a truly heartwarming dish that brings together the goodness of lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Whether youโre following a diabetic-friendly diet or simply seeking a comforting one-pot meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. The addition of ghee and garlic gives it a unique, rich flavor that makes it a standout in any meal. Enjoy it with traditional sides for a complete meal that is both nutritious and flavorful!
