Punjabi Style Spicy Arbi Sabji
A Delightfully Spicy and Flavorful Punjabi Dish
Punjabi cuisine is known for its bold flavors and comforting dishes, and the Punjabi Style Spicy Arbi Sabji (Colocasia Root Curry) is no exception. This vegetarian delight features tender, spiced colocasia roots (arbi) cooked to perfection in a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, red chili powder, garam masala, and tangy dry mango powder. It’s an ideal dish to serve alongside soft rotis, paranthas, or steamed rice, making it perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
The best part of this dish is its perfect balance of spices, giving you a warm, earthy flavor that compliments the mild taste of the arbi. This recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavors that will leave you craving more. If you’re ready to explore a traditional Punjabi dish that is both satisfying and full of punch, here’s how to make it:
Ingredients for Punjabi Style Spicy Arbi Sabji
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Colocasia Root (Arbi) | 500 grams |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 medium |
| Green Chilies (slit length-wise) | 3 |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | As required for garnish |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Punjabi
Course
Lunch
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions to Make Punjabi Style Spicy Arbi Sabji
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping all the ingredients. Peel the arbi (colocasia root) and slice it into thin, long strips, similar to the shape of French fries. Be sure to grease your hands with oil or wear gloves while handling the arbi, as it can cause irritation to the skin. Set aside the sliced arbi. -
Heat the Oil
In a heavy-bottomed kadhai (wok), heat the ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds (jeera) and sauté them for a minute, or until they turn lightly brown and aromatic. -
Add the Green Chilies and Onion
Add the slit green chilies to the kadhai and sauté for another minute, allowing the chilies to infuse their spice into the oil. Next, add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. -
Cook the Arbi
Add the sliced arbi to the kadhai and fry on high heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure the arbi is evenly coated with the ghee and spices. -
Add the Spices
Once the arbi is slightly fried, add the dry spices: red chili powder, turmeric powder (haldi), and salt. Stir well to coat the arbi with the spices. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to sauté, occasionally stirring, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the arbi becomes tender and cooked through. You can add a few tablespoons of water if necessary to avoid the mixture from sticking to the pan. -
Finish with Amchur and Garam Masala
When the arbi is cooked and tender, sprinkle in the amchur powder (dry mango powder) and garam masala. Stir well to combine and sauté for another minute to let the flavors meld together. -
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander (dhania) leaves for a fresh burst of flavor. Your Punjabi Style Spicy Arbi Sabji is now ready to be served.
Serving Suggestions for Punjabi Style Spicy Arbi Sabji
This dish pairs wonderfully with soft rotis, paranthas, or phulkas. To complete your meal, serve it alongside a bowl of Spiced Rajma Pulao or a refreshing cucumber salad. A dollop of ghee on the roti adds richness and enhances the flavors of this delicious sabji.
Tips for Making the Perfect Punjabi Style Spicy Arbi Sabji
- Handling Arbi: As mentioned, arbi can cause irritation to the skin, so always use gloves or oil your hands well before handling. You can also wear a kitchen cloth to prevent itching.
- Cooking Arbi: Arbi tends to cook down to a soft texture, so make sure to sauté it thoroughly on high heat before lowering the temperature. This helps the flavors blend and ensures the dish doesn’t become too mushy.
- Spice Level: Adjust the level of heat by reducing or increasing the amount of green chilies and red chili powder based on your preference.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Value per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-200 kcal |
| Protein | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 grams |
| Fat | 6 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
Punjabi Style Spicy Arbi Sabji is a wonderful addition to your recipe repertoire, especially if you enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of Indian cuisine. Its balanced mix of spices, tanginess from amchur, and the richness of ghee come together in perfect harmony to create a mouthwatering dish. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to delight your guests and leave them asking for more.
Enjoy!
