Oriya Style Ambila Recipe – Sweet & Spicy Mixed Vegetable Sabzi
Description:
A delightful and traditional dish from the heart of Odisha, the Oriya Style Ambila, also known as Sweet & Spicy Mixed Vegetable Sabzi, brings together a wonderful array of vegetables cooked in a tangy and sweet yogurt-based gravy. Infused with the unique flavors of Panch Phoran (a quintessential spice blend from Eastern India) and the richness of tamarind and yogurt, this dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and spicy. It’s a wholesome and vibrant dish that can elevate any lunch table with its delicious medley of seasonal vegetables, perfect to be paired with steamed rice and a touch of ghee for an authentic Oriya experience.
Cuisine:
Oriya Recipes
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 1 tablespoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Panch Phoran Masala | 1 teaspoon |
| Tamarind | 15 grams, soaked in water |
| 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 (Baingan / Eggplant) | 1/4 cup, cut into cubes |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1, cut into cubes |
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 2, cut into small pieces |
| Drumstick | 1, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Oil | As required |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Soak the tamarind in hot water for about 15 minutes. After soaking, extract the tamarind water from the pulp, which should yield around 1/2 cup of tamarind water. Set it aside for later use.
-
Prepare the Yogurt Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the curd (yogurt), gram flour (besan), and about 1/4 cup of water. Stir the mixture well to ensure there are no lumps. Keep it aside.
-
Cooking the Vegetables: Heat mustard oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and green chillies, sauté them for a minute to release their aroma. Next, add the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they soften and turn mushy.
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Add Spices: Stir in the Panch Phoran masala, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Sauté everything together for a few seconds to let the spices infuse into the mixture.
-
Add Tamarind Water and Vegetables: Pour in the tamarind water and give the mixture a good stir. Add the salt as per your taste. Now, add the prepared vegetables: pumpkin, radish, colocasia root, brinjal, carrot, lady finger (okra), and drumstick. Mix everything well.
-
Pressure Cook the Ambila: Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and cook for 2-3 whistles. After the cooking time, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
Add the Yogurt Mixture: Once the pressure is released, gently stir the cooked vegetables in the cooker. Add the yogurt and besan mixture into the pot. Stir everything well and let it come to a boil. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes until the besan is well incorporated into the gravy, creating a rich and smooth consistency.
-
Check the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt as needed to suit your preferences.
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Serve: Turn off the heat and transfer the Oriya Ambila into a serving bowl. Serve it hot, ideally alongside steamed rice and a generous dollop of ghee for an authentic Oriya meal experience.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Oriya Style Ambila with steamed rice for a complete meal.
- You can drizzle a little ghee on top for added richness and flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with papad or a side of pickle.
Nutritional Information:
This dish provides a wholesome balance of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, courtesy of the variety of vegetables used. The inclusion of yogurt and gram flour also contributes to its creamy texture, while the mustard oil adds a distinct flavor characteristic of Oriya cuisine.
Enjoy this authentic Oriya Style Ambila as part of your lunch menu, bringing the vibrant flavors of Odisha to your table. Its sweet, sour, and spicy notes make it a unique addition to your culinary repertoire!
