Mixed Vegetables Ajethna Recipe – Mangalorean Style Mixed Vegetables Sabzi
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mangalorean
Diet: Vegetarian
Ajethna is a classic Mangalorean-style dry vegetable curry that features a delightful combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and the richness of coconut. This simple yet flavorful dish is often served as part of an everyday Mangalorean meal, bringing together the earthy flavors of seasonal vegetables, tempered with mustard seeds, and the warmth of dry red chillies. What sets Ajethna apart is its mild, aromatic spices, making it a wholesome side dish that pairs perfectly with rice. This Mixed Vegetables Ajethna, made with a variety of garden-fresh vegetables, is a great way to enjoy the traditional flavors of Mangalore.
Ingredients for Mixed Vegetables Ajethna
Vegetables:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green Beans (French Beans) | 1 cup | Finely chopped |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 1 cup | Cut into small cubes |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2 | Cut into small cubes |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 tsp | – |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 tsp | – |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/2 tsp | – |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 tsp | – |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1 | Broken |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig | – |
| Oil | 2 tsp | – |
| Salt | To taste | – |
Ingredients for Coconut Masala:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Coconut (Grated) | 3 tbsp | – |
| Dry Red Chilli | 2 | – |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 tsp | – |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prep the Vegetables:
Begin by thoroughly washing the vegetables. Cut the green beans into small pieces, dice the carrots and potatoes into small cubes, and set them aside. -
Make the Coconut Masala:
In a mixer grinder, combine the grated fresh coconut, dry red chillies, and mustard seeds. Grind them into a coarse powder. Set the masala aside for later use. -
Tempering the Spices:
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds to the hot oil. Let them splutter, and then add the white urad dal. Allow it to crackle for a few seconds. -
Add Aromatics:
Once the mustard seeds and dal have spluttered, add the asafoetida (hing), broken dry red chilli, and curry leaves. Let the mixture sizzle for a few moments, allowing the flavors to infuse into the oil. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the prepared vegetables to the pan, and season with salt. Mix the vegetables well to coat them in the tempering. Sprinkle turmeric powder over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cover the pan with a lid, allowing the vegetables to cook in their own steam for about 10 minutes or until they are tender. -
Combine with Coconut Masala:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the freshly ground coconut masala to the pan. Stir well to ensure the masala is evenly distributed among the vegetables. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Finish and Serve:
Once the vegetables are well-coated with the coconut masala and cooked to your liking, turn off the heat. Serve the Mixed Vegetables Ajethna hot with steamed rice, Bendekayi Koddel/Bolu Huli (Mangalorean-style okra curry), and Akki Peni Sandige (rice idiyappam fryums) for an authentic Mangalorean-inspired lunch.
Tips for the Best Mixed Vegetables Ajethna:
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Vegetable Choices: You can experiment with other seasonal vegetables such as beans, peas, or pumpkin. The combination of vegetables should always balance the textures and flavors.
-
Fresh Coconut: For an authentic taste, use freshly grated coconut. However, if fresh coconut is not available, desiccated coconut can be used as a substitute.
-
Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier version of Ajethna, you can add more dry red chillies to the coconut masala or sauté some green chillies along with the tempering.
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Cooking Tip: Allowing the vegetables to cook in their own steam ensures that the flavors are concentrated and the vegetables stay tender and flavorful.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
This Mixed Vegetables Ajethna Recipe captures the essence of Mangalorean cuisine, offering a healthy, flavorful, and aromatic side dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you serve it with rice or roti, this dish is sure to become a household favorite, just as it has been for generations in Mangalore.
