Konkan Style Vali Bhajji Ambat Recipe – Spiced Malabar Spinach Dal
Introduction:
Originating from the picturesque Konkan Coast, particularly the North Kanara (Canara) region, the Vali Bhajji Ambat is a quintessential Konkan dish. This spiced dal, made from Malabar spinach, also known as Vali Bhajji, is a comforting and nutritious recipe often served with steamed rice or phulka. The hearty combination of tender spinach leaves, aromatic spices, and the slight sweetness of jaggery makes this dal an irresistible addition to any dinner table. Not only is this dish packed with flavor, but it also boasts a high protein profile, making it a perfect choice for a vegetarian meal.
Cuisine: Konkan
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach Leaves (Malabar) | 2 cups, chopped |
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Tamarind | 30 grams, mixed with water |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon, powdered |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coconut | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 1 tablespoon, roasted |
| Dry Red Chillies | 4-5 |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, pounded |
| Oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 34 grams |
| Fat | 6 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sugar | 5 grams |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Ground Paste
Start by roasting the coriander seeds, dry red chilies, and grated fresh coconut in a nonstick pan. Allow them to cool before grinding them into a coarse paste using a blender. This spice paste will infuse the dal with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Step 2: Cooking the Dal and Spinach
Clean and chop the Malabar spinach (Vali Bhajji), including the stems. In a pressure cooker, heat a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it turns golden. Add the tamarind water, Arhar dal, chopped spinach, and tomato to the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook for about 3 whistles. Once done, release the pressure naturally.
Step 3: Muddling the Dal
After the pressure is released, use a muddler to mash the dal and other ingredients into a coarse curry texture. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency.
Step 4: Combining the Paste with Dal
Heat a thick-bottomed pan and add the freshly ground paste along with the cooked dal mixture. Stir well and adjust the consistency once more. Add jaggery to the dal as it starts to boil, balancing the tanginess of tamarind with a hint of sweetness.
Step 5: Tempering the Dal
In a small skillet, heat oil. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and garlic cloves. Let the mustard seeds crackle and the garlic turn golden brown. Pour this tempering over the simmering dal mixture, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors.
Step 6: Serving
Your Vali Bhajji Ambat is now ready to serve! Enjoy this delicious Konkan-style spiced Malabar spinach dal with steamed rice or phulka for a wholesome meal. To make the meal even more special, end it with a sweet treat like Paal Payasam for a satisfying dessert.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can also add a bit of coconut milk to the dal after tempering.
- Adjust the amount of jaggery to suit your sweetness preference.
- If fresh Malabar spinach is unavailable, you can substitute it with regular spinach for a similar result.
Conclusion:
Vali Bhajji Ambat is a comforting and nutrient-dense dish that captures the essence of Konkan cuisine with its earthy spinach, aromatic spices, and tamarind tang. It pairs wonderfully with rice or phulka, making it an ideal dinner option for any day of the week. This high-protein vegetarian dish is a true testament to the vibrant flavors of the coastal Konkan region and is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy your culinary journey to the heart of Konkan with this delightful recipe!
This recipe for Konkan Style Vali Bhajji Ambat is a great way to experience the flavors of the Malabar coast, and its rich, wholesome ingredients make it both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re looking for a filling meal or a comforting bowl of dal, this recipe will surely satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.
