Sweetcorn Shaak is a delightful and flavorful Indian dish that features sweetcorn kernels cooked with a blend of spices and herbs. It’s a popular vegetarian dish, especially in the western part of India, where sweetcorn is widely cultivated. Sweetcorn Shaak is known for its sweet and slightly spicy taste, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.
History:
The history of Sweetcorn Shaak is not well-documented, but it likely originated in the state of Gujarat, India. Gujarat is known for its diverse and delicious vegetarian cuisine, and sweetcorn is a relatively recent addition to the local ingredients. Over time, creative cooks in Gujarat developed various recipes to incorporate sweetcorn into their meals, giving rise to Sweetcorn Shaak as one of the many delightful dishes in their culinary repertoire.
Components:
To prepare Sweetcorn Shaak, you’ll need the following components:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of sweetcorn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon jaggery or sugar (for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Steps to Prepare Sweetcorn Shaak:
Step 1: Preparing Sweetcorn
- If using fresh sweetcorn, remove the kernels from the cobs. If using frozen sweetcorn, thaw them.
- Blanch the sweetcorn in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Tempering and Spices
3. Heat oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add asafoetida (hing) and stir briefly.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Stir well for about a minute until the spices release their aroma.
Step 3: Cooking Sweetcorn
7. Add the blanched sweetcorn kernels to the pan. Mix well with the spices.
- Add salt and jaggery (or sugar) for sweetness. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
- Cover the pan and cook the sweetcorn on low heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
10. Once the sweetcorn is tender and well-cooked, add chopped coriander leaves and green chilies. Stir to combine.
- If desired, drizzle lemon juice for a hint of tanginess. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Step 5: Serving
12. Transfer the Sweetcorn Shaak to a serving dish.
- Garnish with additional fresh coriander leaves if desired.
- Serve hot with Indian bread like roti or as a side dish with rice.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Sweetcorn Shaak is approximately 20-25 minutes, including preparation and cooking time. It’s a quick and easy dish to make, perfect for a weekday meal or as a side dish for special occasions. Enjoy this sweet and spicy treat from Indian cuisine!
Certainly, here are the approximate nutrition facts and health information for Sweetcorn Shaak:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180 calories
- Protein: About 3-5 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 25-30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 4-5 grams
- Fat: About 5-7 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: Virtually zero (as it’s a vegetarian dish)
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt but typically less than 500mg
- Potassium: Approximately 300-400mg
- Vitamin C: Provides a good amount due to sweetcorn and spices
- Vitamin A: Minimal but present due to sweetcorn
- Calcium: Minimal
- Iron: Approximately 1-2 milligrams
Health Information:
-
Low in Calories: Sweetcorn Shaak is relatively low in calories, making it a good choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
-
Good Source of Fiber: It contains a decent amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
-
Protein: While it’s not particularly high in protein, sweetcorn does provide some protein, making this dish a suitable option for vegetarians.
-
Low in Saturated Fat: It’s generally low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.
-
Vitamins and Minerals: Sweetcorn contributes to the dish’s vitamin C and vitamin A content. These vitamins are important for immune function and maintaining healthy skin and vision.
-
Spices: The spices used in this dish, such as turmeric and coriander, are known for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
-
Balanced Meal: When paired with whole wheat roti or rice, Sweetcorn Shaak can be part of a balanced and nutritious meal.
-
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly: This dish is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, as it doesn’t contain any animal products.
-
Low Cholesterol: Since it’s a vegetarian dish, it’s naturally low in cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health.
-
Sodium Content: The sodium content can vary depending on the amount of salt added, but it can be managed to suit dietary preferences.
Remember that the nutritional content can vary based on factors like portion size, specific ingredients used, and cooking methods. It’s always a good idea to adjust recipes to meet your dietary needs and preferences.