Ringan Methi Nu Shaak Recipe – Gujarati Style Eggplant & Fenugreek Leaves Sabzi
Step into the vibrant world of Gujarati cuisine with this delightful Ringan Methi Nu Shaak, a savory dish that beautifully combines the tender, earthy flavors of eggplant (brinjal) with the aromatic and slightly bitter notes of fenugreek leaves (methi). This vegetarian dish is not only quick to prepare but also an embodiment of the simplicity and richness of traditional Indian cooking, making it a perfect addition to your lunch table alongside warm phulkas, comforting Gujarati dal, and a refreshing kachumber salad.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Small Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 15, cut into long strips |
Methi Leaves (Fenugreek Leaves) | 2 cups, finely chopped |
Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
Jaggery – powdered | 2 teaspoons |
Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 2 teaspoons |
Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | Approximately 150 |
Protein | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Dietary Fiber | 5g |
Sugars | 5g |
Fat | 6g |
Preparation Time
Type | Time |
---|---|
Preparation | 10 minutes |
Cooking | 15 minutes |
Total | 25 minutes |
Servings
Servings |
---|
4 |
Instructions
-
Preparation of Brinjal: Begin the culinary journey by thoroughly washing the small brinjals. Cut them into long strips, then immediately immerse them in a bowl filled with salted water. This step is crucial as it prevents the brinjals from discoloring and helps maintain their vibrant hue while cooking.
-
Tempering Spices: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium flame. Once the oil is adequately hot, add in the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle and release their aromatic essence into the oil, creating a fragrant base for your sabzi.
-
Cooking Brinjal: Carefully drain the brinjal strips from the salted water and gently add them to the pan. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt, then stir well to combine the brinjals with the tempered spices. Cover the pan and let the brinjals cook in their own moisture until they are halfway cooked, which should take about 5 minutes.
-
Incorporating Fenugreek Leaves: After the brinjals have begun to soften, introduce the finely chopped methi leaves into the pan. Sauté the mixture for about a minute, allowing the fenugreek to wilt slightly and infuse its unique flavor into the dish.
-
Final Cooking: Cover the pan again and let the brinjal and fenugreek leaves cook together until they are fully tender. This step will ensure that the flavors meld beautifully. After a few minutes, uncover the pan and add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. Stir well to incorporate the spices evenly, and continue to sauté the vegetables occasionally, allowing the water to evaporate completely.
-
Finishing Touches: Once the mixture has thickened and the brinjals are fully cooked, sprinkle in the jaggery and amchur powder. These ingredients add a lovely balance of sweetness and tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. Mix everything well until the vegetables are fully combined and the spices cling to them deliciously.
-
Serving Suggestion: With the Ringan Methi Nu Shaak now ready, switch off the heat and transfer the dish to a serving bowl. This savory sabzi pairs wonderfully with soft phulkas, a bowl of Gujarati dal, and a crisp kachumber salad, making for a wholesome and satisfying weekday lunch that celebrates the essence of Gujarati home cooking.
Conclusion
With its straightforward preparation and vibrant flavors, Ringan Methi Nu Shaak is a perfect introduction to the world of Gujarati cuisine. This dish not only showcases the use of simple, fresh ingredients but also highlights the traditional methods that have been cherished in Indian kitchens for generations. Enjoy this delightful sabzi as part of a complete meal, and savor the comforting warmth that it brings to your dining table.