Aluchi Bhaji (Arvi Leaves Curry)
A comforting and flavorful Maharashtrian dish, Aluchi Bhaji is a delightful curry made from arvi leaves (also known as colocasia leaves or taro leaves). This wholesome recipe combines the earthy taste of arvi leaves with the nuttiness of peanuts and the richness of jaggery, making it an ideal dish for festive meals and special occasions. With no onions or garlic in its preparation, this dish holds a special place in traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Perfect when paired with puris and raita, this vegetarian dish is also high in protein and offers a unique blend of flavors that will elevate any meal.
Recipe Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Maharashtrian |
| Course | Lunch |
| Diet | High Protein, Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Serves | 2-3 people |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arbi (taro leaves) | 50 grams arbi, finely chopped |
| Peanuts | 1/4 cup, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes |
| Chana Dal (Bengal gram) | 2 tablespoons, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Coconut | 7 slices, thinly sliced |
| Dried Mango Powder (Amchur) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 2 teaspoons, grated |
| Green Chillies | 2, sliced lengthwise and thinly |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by soaking the chana dal (Bengal gram) and peanuts in hot water for 30 minutes. Once soaked, drain the water. Finely chop the arbi leaves and keep them aside. Also, slice the green chillies and thinly slice the dry coconut. -
Cook the Chana Dal and Peanuts:
In a pressure cooker, add the soaked chana dal, peanuts, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup of water. Cook for 3 to 4 whistles on medium heat. Once done, turn off the gas and let the pressure release naturally. -
Temper the Spices:
Heat oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle, releasing their aroma. Next, add asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder, and the green chillies. Sauté for a minute. -
Cook the Arvi Leaves:
Add the chopped arbi leaves to the pan and stir well. Sprinkle in the dried mango powder (amchur) and grated jaggery. Mix everything together and cook the arbi leaves until they soften and wilt, about 7-10 minutes. -
Combine with the Dal and Peanuts:
Once the arvi leaves are cooked, add the chana dal and peanut mixture to the pan. Stir to combine, and let everything cook together for a few minutes. The flavors will meld, and the dish will begin to thicken slightly. Add salt to taste. -
Serve:
Once everything is well-cooked and the flavors are balanced, turn off the heat. Serve the Aluchi Bhaji hot with ajwain puris and boondi raita for a wholesome and delicious Maharashtrian lunch.
Tips for Making Perfect Aluchi Bhaji
- Soaking the Peanuts and Chana Dal: This is an important step as it ensures that the dal and peanuts cook evenly and soften in the pressure cooker.
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can tweak the number of green chillies based on your preference for spice. If you like it mild, reduce the number of chillies.
- Coconut Addition: The dry coconut adds a lovely texture and flavor to the dish. If you prefer a milder coconut flavor, you can adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
- Serve with Puris: This dish pairs wonderfully with ajwain puris, which add a crunchy texture to the meal. For a more indulgent option, serve it with puris or chapati.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Protein | ~8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~30 grams |
| Fat | ~8 grams |
| Fiber | ~4 grams |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
| Potassium | ~500 mg |
Conclusion
Aluchi Bhaji is a flavorful and nourishing Maharashtrian curry made with arvi leaves, chana dal, peanuts, and a delicate mix of spices. Its unique blend of earthy, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it a delightful dish for both everyday meals and special occasions. Serve this high-protein vegetarian curry with puris and boondi raita for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Whether you’re celebrating a festival or just looking for a tasty dish to enjoy, Aluchi Bhaji will surely satisfy your cravings.
