Kashmiri Style Tchat Goji Recipe (Turnip & Dry Red Chilies)
Kashmiri cuisine is renowned for its exquisite balance of spices and flavors, and Tchat Goji is a perfect example of this delicate artistry. This humble yet incredibly flavorful dish is made using turnips, a vegetable often underrated in many kitchens but truly shines in this recipe. Tchat Goji is a vegetarian delight where tender turnips are cooked with aromatic spices, softened, and mashed gently for a comforting and hearty meal.
This simple yet flavorful dish is an ideal accompaniment to both rice and roti, making it a versatile choice for lunch or dinner. The addition of dry red chilies, tikka masala, and asafoetida (hing) infuses the turnips with a deep, rich flavor, while the slight sweetness from the sugar and salt brings a perfect balance. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish brings a taste of Kashmir to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Kashmiri Style Tchat Goji (Turnip & Dry Red Chilies) Recipe
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turnips | 1 large |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry Red Chilies | 3 whole |
| Tikka Masala | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | A pinch |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Turnips:
Wash the turnips thoroughly and peel them. Once peeled, cut them into thin, wafer-like slices to ensure even cooking. -
Heat the Oil:
In a non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced turnips to the pan. -
Add Spices and Seasoning:
To the pan, add the asafoetida (hing), sugar, and salt. Stir well to ensure the turnips are evenly coated with the spices. -
Add Dry Red Chilies:
Break the dry red chilies into smaller pieces and add them to the pan with the turnips. Mix everything together to combine. -
Cook the Turnips:
Cover the pan with a lid and cook the turnips on high flame for 6-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the turnips from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The turnips should become soft but still hold their shape. -
Add Tikka Masala:
Once the turnips are soft, add 1/2 teaspoon of tikka masala. Mix the spice thoroughly into the turnips, ensuring that each slice is coated in the fragrant masala. -
Add Water:
Pour in 1/2 cup of water, and cook the turnips on medium heat until the water is fully absorbed. This step allows the spices to blend beautifully with the turnips. -
Mash (Optional):
Once the water has evaporated, use the back of your ladle to gently mash the turnips. This traditional step helps to blend the flavors and creates a slightly creamy texture. However, if you prefer your turnips to retain their shape, feel free to skip this step and enjoy them as they are. -
Serve:
Kashmiri Style Tchat Goji is best served hot. You can either stuff it into warm roti or serve it alongside steamed rice and a fresh kachumber salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Tchat Goji pairs wonderfully with soft, fluffy roti or steamed basmati rice. For a more traditional meal, serve it with a refreshing kachumber salad made from diced cucumber, tomato, and onions, lightly seasoned with lemon and salt. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of the turnips.
Tips for the Best Tchat Goji
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of dry red chilies or omit them entirely. The tikka masala already provides a good amount of heat and flavor.
- Mash to Your Liking: While traditional Tchat Goji calls for mashed turnips, if you like your vegetables with more texture, leave the turnips unmashed.
- Add More Heat: For those who enjoy an extra kick, feel free to add more dry red chilies or a pinch of red chili powder.
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Kashmiri Style Tchat Goji is a perfect blend of simplicity and spice, offering a taste of authentic Kashmiri cooking in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a comforting side dish, this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy it with roti, rice, or both, and relish the bold, flavorful notes that only Kashmiri cuisine can provide!
