Sitaphal ki sabzi, or Custard Apple Vegetable, is a delightful and unique dish that beautifully combines the sweetness of custard apples with savory Indian spices. This recipe, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs, will tantalize your taste buds with its exotic flavors and vibrant colors. 🍽️🌶️
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Ghee |
| 1 cup | Channa dal |
| 1 tsp | Methi dana |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 tsp | Red chili powder |
| A handful | Cilantro (for garnish) |
| 2 | Red chilies |
| 1 tsp | Coriander powder |
| 2 tsp | Sugar |
| 2 | Custard apples (Sitaphal) |
| 1 tsp | Amchur powder |
| 1 inch | Ginger (julienned, for garnish) |
Instructions:
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Heat Ghee: Begin by heating ghee in a pan over medium heat. Ghee adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
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Temper Spices: Once the ghee is hot, add crushed red chilies and methi dana (fenugreek seeds) to the pan. Allow them to crackle, releasing their aromatic oils.
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Add Channa Dal: Next, add channa dal to the pan. Stir well to coat the dal with the flavored ghee.
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Prepare Custard Apples: Peel and deseed the custard apples (sitaphal), then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
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Cook Spices: Bring the pan back to the flame and add the prepared custard apples. Cook for about a minute to enhance the flavors.
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Seasoning: Now, add coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, sugar, and amchur powder to the pan. These spices will infuse the custard apples with a burst of savory and tangy flavors.
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Mix Well: Stir the ingredients well to ensure that the custard apples are evenly coated with the spices.
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Add Water: Pour just a little water into the pan to soften the custard apples and create a luscious gravy. Be careful not to add too much water, as custard apples release their own juices during cooking.
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Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This will help meld the flavors together.
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Cover and Simmer: Once the mixture comes to a boil, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the sabzi to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the custard apples to cook through and absorb the flavors.
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Garnish: Once cooked, remove the lid and garnish the sabzi with freshly chopped cilantro and julienned ginger. These garnishes add a pop of freshness and aroma to the dish.
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Serve: Your flavorful and aromatic Sitaphal ki sabzi is now ready to be served hot! Enjoy it as a side dish with roti, naan, or steamed rice for a truly satisfying meal.
This delightful recipe yields a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tanginess, making it a surefire hit at your dining table. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure to savor the exotic flavors of Custard Apple Vegetable! 🍽️✨
