Oriya Style Ambila Recipe – Sweet & Spicy Mixed Vegetable Sabzi
Oriya cuisine, known for its vibrant and flavorful dishes, brings you this delightful recipe called Ambila, a sweet and spicy mixed vegetable sabzi that combines the freshness of seasonal vegetables with a tangy touch of tamarind, the richness of yogurt, and a dash of aromatic spices. Served with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee, this dish is a perfect choice for a wholesome lunch. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Indian flavors or looking to explore new recipes, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaddu (Pumpkin) | 1/4 cup, cut into cubes |
| Mooli (Radish) | 1/4 cup, cut into cubes |
| Colocasia root (Arbi) | 1/4 cup, cut into cubes |
| Brinjal (Eggplant) | 1/4 cup, cut into cubes |
| Carrot | 1, cut into cubes |
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 2, cut into small pieces |
| Drumstick | 1, cut into 2-inch pieces |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Curd (Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Panch Phoran Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Oriya
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Yogurt and Gram Flour Mixture
- In a bowl, combine the curd (yogurt) with gram flour (besan). Add approximately 4 teaspoons of water and whisk well to create a smooth, lump-free mixture. Set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Tamarind Paste
- Take the tamarind paste and dissolve it in 3-4 teaspoons of warm water. Stir well and set it aside. Alternatively, if using raw tamarind, soak a lemon-sized piece in hot water, squeeze out the pulp, and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped tomatoes and sauté them until they soften and release their juices. Once done, remove the tomatoes from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining vegetables (except the drumstick) and sauté for 2-3 minutes to lightly cook them. Turn off the flame and set the sautéed vegetables aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
- In a large vessel, add 5 cups of water. Bring it to a boil and add the sautéed vegetables, drumstick, chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Let the vegetables cook for about 10 minutes until they are half-cooked.
Step 5: Add the Yogurt and Gram Flour Mixture
- Once the vegetables are partially cooked, add the prepared yogurt and gram flour mixture to the boiling vegetables. Stir well to combine. This will help thicken the dish and give it a creamy texture.
Step 6: Add Tamarind Water
- Add the tamarind water to the vegetables and mix well. Let everything simmer on medium flame, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to cook completely. Once the vegetables are tender and fully cooked, turn off the heat.
Step 7: Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- In a separate tadka pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, lower the heat and add the panch phoran masala. Sauté until the masala turns aromatic.
- Next, add the finely chopped garlic, whole dried red chillies, and curry leaves. Stir the ingredients together and sauté until the garlic turns golden brown.
- Add the red chili powder to the tadka pan and mix well.
Step 8: Combine the Tempering with the Vegetables
- Immediately pour the prepared tempering into the cooked vegetables. Stir everything together so the tempering is well mixed with the vegetables, adding a burst of flavor to the dish.
Step 9: Serve
- Transfer the Ambila into a serving bowl. Serve hot, accompanied by steamed rice and a dollop of ghee for an authentic Oriya meal.
Tips for Best Results:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the quantity of red chili powder or add extra dried red chillies in the tempering.
- Add More Vegetables: This recipe is versatile! Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables such as sweet potatoes, beans, or peas to customize the dish to your liking.
- Tamarind Substitution: If tamarind paste is unavailable, a small amount of lemon juice can be used as a substitute, though it will give a slightly different flavor.
- Pair with Roti or Paratha: In addition to rice, this sweet and spicy vegetable dish pairs wonderfully with chapati, roti, or paratha for a filling meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 170 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Potassium | 800 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
This Oriya Style Ambila is a wholesome, comforting, and tangy dish that’s perfect for both casual meals and festive occasions. The combination of vegetables and the sweet-spicy flavors make it a delightful addition to your repertoire of vegetarian Indian dishes. Enjoy the unique tastes and textures of this traditional Oriya recipe as you indulge in the vibrant flavors of Odisha!
