Parsi Style Lagan Sara Istew Recipe: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight
Parsi Lagan Sara Istew is a hearty, flavorful vegetable curry that is both delicious and packed with nutrition. This dish is a delightful example of how traditional Parsi cuisine balances savory and sweet flavors in one dish. The special feature of this recipe lies in the addition of jaggery, raisins, and dates, which bring a unique sweetness to the dish, making it perfect for a special meal or dinner gathering.
The vegetables in this curry—such as carrots, baby potatoes, yam, and green peas—combine beautifully with aromatic spices and a subtle sweetness, making the Lagan Sara Istew a flavorful and nutritious treat. The dish’s roots in Parsi culture highlight the importance of bold flavors and ingredient harmony, and it’s perfect when paired with fluffy laccha paratha for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrot | 1, peeled and chopped into small pieces |
| Baby Potato | 5 small potatoes, cut into 4 pieces |
| Yam | 100 grams, peeled and chopped into small pieces |
| Green Peas | 1/4 cup |
| Raisins | 1 tablespoon |
| Dates | 4-5 dates |
| Horseradish | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Tomato | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, chopped |
| Turmeric Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Dhansak Masala | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Allergen Information
- This recipe contains no major allergens, making it suitable for most dietary needs. However, if you have a sensitivity to soy (due to some potential traces in dhansak masala or other products), you may want to ensure that the ingredients are soy-free or use an alternative.
Dietary Preferences
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Suitable for: Vegans (if substituted with oil instead of ghee)
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Dairy-Free: Yes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pressure Cook the Vegetables
Begin by pressure cooking the vegetables (excluding peas) with 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of salt. Cook them until one whistle is heard. This step helps tenderize the vegetables, making them easy to incorporate into the dish.
Step 2: Soak Dates and Horseradish
In a small bowl, soak the dates and horseradish in vinegar and set them aside. This soaking process will help soften the dates and infuse the horseradish with vinegar’s tang.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Tomatoes
In a shallow pan, heat oil and sauté the chopped onions and tomatoes with a pinch of salt. Stir them until the raw smell disappears and they become soft. Let the mixture cool slightly, then grind it to a smooth paste.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
Now, heat some oil in a wok and add the pressure-cooked vegetables. Sauté them until they become slightly crispy, which will add an interesting texture to the dish. Set them aside.
Step 5: Sauté Ginger, Garlic, and Green Chilies
In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. This step will bring out their aromatic flavors.
Step 6: Add Ground Paste and Spices
Add the ground onion-tomato paste to the wok along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and dhansak masala. Mix well to coat the spices evenly. Add the soaked raisins and dates, allowing the sweetness to infuse into the curry. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Add the sautéed vegetables, including green peas, to the wok. Pour in 1 cup of water and stir to combine. Reduce the heat and let it simmer on a low flame for 10 minutes. This gentle cooking allows the flavors to blend and the curry to thicken.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the curry has simmered and thickened, garnish it with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve your Parsi Lagan Sara Istew with hot laccha paratha or steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Parsi Lagan Sara Istew
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, turnips, or even pumpkin for a unique twist.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of dates and raisins based on how sweet you prefer the curry. If you’d like more sweetness, you can add a small amount of jaggery or sugar.
- Dhansak Masala Substitute: If you can’t find dhansak masala, you can make your own spice blend with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Acidity: The soaking of horseradish in vinegar helps balance the sweetness of the dish. You can also add a small splash of lemon juice for added tang.
Conclusion
The Parsi Lagan Sara Istew is a perfect fusion of vegetables, aromatic spices, and a subtle sweetness that will surely impress anyone at your dinner table. This recipe, rooted in Parsi tradition, brings together the rich, wholesome flavors of India, offering both a hearty meal and a delicious treat for the taste buds. Whether served with laccha paratha or steamed rice, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit in any home. Try making this dish at your next gathering and enjoy a taste of Parsi heritage!
