Shepuchi Bhaji Recipe (Stir-Fried Maharashtrian Suva/Dill Greens)
Introduction:
Shepuchi Bhaji, also known as Stir-Fried Dill Greens, is a simple yet flavorful Maharashtrian dish that brings together the unique, slightly tangy taste of dill leaves with the earthy richness of split yellow moong dal. Traditionally served with Bhakri or Phulka, this nutritious recipe is a great addition to any weekday meal. It is light, vegetarian, and packed with the goodness of greens and lentils, making it perfect for a comforting dinner or even a side dish to a larger spread.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dill leaves (Shepu/Suva) | 6 sprigs, cleaned and chopped |
| Onion (optional) | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves, finely chopped |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 3 tablespoons, soaked in water for 30 mins |
| Green Chillies | 3, chopped |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
2
Cuisine:
Maharashtrian
Course:
Dinner
Diet:
Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 230mg |
Instructions:
-
Clean and Prep the Dill Leaves
Begin by washing the dill leaves (Shepu) thoroughly to remove any dirt. After cleaning, drain the leaves using a colander and pat them dry with kitchen towels to absorb any excess water. Once dry, chop the dill leaves finely and set aside. -
Soak the Moong Dal
Soak the yellow moong dal in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps soften the dal and reduces the cooking time. -
Heat the Oil and Prepare the Tempering
Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a kadhai or wok on medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add mustard seeds. Allow the mustard seeds to crackle, releasing their nutty flavor. After that, add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them sizzle for a few seconds. -
Sautรฉ the Onion, Garlic, and Green Chillies
If you’re using onions, add the finely chopped onion to the kadhai. Sautรฉ until the onion turns soft and translucent. Next, add the finely chopped garlic and green chillies, stirring for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown and aromatic. -
Add the Turmeric and Moong Dal
Add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the tempering and mix well. Now, add the soaked and drained moong dal to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring that the dal is well-coated with the tempering and turmeric. Cover the pan and allow the moong dal to cook for about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to let the dal stick to the bottom of the pan or burn. If needed, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of water to avoid burning. -
Cook the Dill Greens
Once the dal has partially cooked, uncover the pan and add the finely chopped dill leaves (Suva). Mix well, combining the greens with the moong dal and spices. Season with salt to taste. Keep in mind that the dill greens will wilt and reduce in volume as they cook, so add salt accordingly. -
Finish Cooking
Cover the kadhai once more and cook the dill greens for another 7-8 minutes on low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The greens should be cooked just rightโnot overdoneโpreserving their vibrant green color and subtle texture. -
Serve
Once the greens are cooked, turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes. Serve Shepuchi Bhaji alongside Bhakri or Phulka for a traditional Maharashtrian experience. You can also enjoy it as part of a larger meal with dishes like Bharleli Vangi (Stuffed Eggplant) or Varan Bhaat (Lentil Rice).
Serving Suggestions:
Shepuchi Bhaji pairs wonderfully with simple Indian flatbreads like Bhakri, Phulka, or even Chapati. For a more complete Maharashtrian meal, serve it with Varan Bhaat, a mildly spiced lentil rice preparation, or Bharleli Vangi, stuffed baby eggplants. This stir-fry also makes for a great side dish with rice and dal or a light weeknight dinner option when you’re looking for a healthy and wholesome meal.
Tips for Perfect Shepuchi Bhaji:
-
Control the Cooking Time: Dill greens cook fairly quickly and can turn mushy if overcooked. Make sure to cook the greens for just about 7-8 minutes to preserve their texture and bright color.
-
Optional Onion: Onions add a slight sweetness to the dish, balancing the sharpness of the dill. However, you can skip the onions for a more traditional version of this bhaji.
-
Moong Dal Texture: The soaked moong dal should remain slightly firm to the bite after cooking, adding a contrasting texture to the soft dill leaves.
-
Customization: You can add more vegetables like potatoes or carrots to the bhaji for a heartier version. Additionally, if you like a little more spice, feel free to increase the amount of green chillies or add a dash of red chilli powder.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of lentils instead of moong dal?
A: Yes, though yellow moong dal is commonly used in this recipe, you can substitute it with toor dal (split pigeon peas) or chana dal (split chickpeas) if you prefer. However, these lentils take a bit longer to cook and may require pre-boiling.
Q: What other dishes can I serve with Shepuchi Bhaji?
A: Shepuchi Bhaji pairs beautifully with traditional Maharashtrian flatbreads like Bhakri or Phulka. It also works well as a side with plain steamed rice and dal, or with a tangy yogurt-based dish like raita.
Q: Can I store Shepuchi Bhaji?
A: Yes, you can store this dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan on low heat until heated through.
Q: Can I skip the garlic?
A: Garlic enhances the flavor of the dish, but if you prefer, you can omit it. The dill itself has a strong flavor that will still shine through.
Conclusion:
Shepuchi Bhaji is a light, nutritious, and flavorful dish thatโs ideal for a quick, healthy meal. The dill greens, combined with the protein-rich moong dal, create a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are quintessentially Maharashtrian. Whether served as a standalone main with flatbreads or as part of a larger Indian meal, this simple stir-fry makes a wholesome, fulfilling dinner. If youโre looking for a fresh take on greens, give this Shepuchi Bhaji a try, and savor the authentic taste of Maharashtra right at home!
