Paka Kela Ki Sabzi Recipe (Gujarati Jain Style)
This delightful Paka Kela Ki Sabzi is a traditional Gujarati Jain recipe that features ripe bananas combined with aromatic spices to create a savory dish that is both sweet and spicy. The ripe bananas are sautéed with turmeric, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and a touch of gram flour (besan) to enhance the flavors, making it a comforting dish perfect for your dinner table. This quick and easy recipe can be served with Phulka, Gujarati Dal, and a bowl of cooling dahi (yogurt), making it a wholesome meal that’s full of flavor.
Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas (cubed) | 3 cups |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1/4 cup |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves (finely chopped) | 1 sprig |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
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Preparation: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the ripe bananas and keep them aside. Measure out the spices and have them ready for use.
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Heat Oil: In a medium-sized pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves to the pan. Allow the seeds to crackle and release their fragrant aroma.
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Add Spices: Add the asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder (haldi), and red chili powder to the pan. Stir the mixture quickly to combine the spices, letting the flavors infuse into the hot oil for about 30 seconds.
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Incorporate Bananas & Besan: Add the cubed ripe bananas into the pan, followed by the gram flour (besan). Stir gently, ensuring that the gram flour coats the bananas evenly. Continue to cook the mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the bananas to absorb the spices and become tender.
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Final Steps: Turn off the heat once the bananas are cooked through and the gram flour has nicely blended with the spices. Transfer the Paka Kela Ki Sabzi to a serving dish.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with Phulka (Indian flatbread), a side of Gujarati Dal, and a bowl of cool dahi (yogurt) to balance the heat of the dish.
Cooking Tips
- Freshness of Bananas: To maintain the perfect texture, make sure you prepare this dish just before serving. The bananas lose their firmness and can turn mushy if left for too long, making the dish soggy.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the quantity of red chili powder based on your heat preference. The balance of sweet and spicy is key in this recipe.
- Consistency: If the sabzi becomes too dry, you can add a little water while cooking to help the bananas cook more evenly. However, avoid making it too runny.
This Paka Kela Ki Sabzi is a beautiful combination of sweet bananas and savory spices, creating a unique flavor profile that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. With its simplicity and wholesome ingredients, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore authentic Gujarati Jain cuisine.
