Shukto Recipe
Shukto is not just a dish; it’s a journey through the diverse flavors of Bengal. This unique Bengali delicacy is a medley of vegetables cooked in a mildly spiced, creamy gravy. What sets shukto apart is its balance of flavors – a harmonious blend of bitter, sweet, and savory notes that tantalize the taste buds.
Ingredients and Preparation:
Shukto typically features a variety of vegetables such as bitter gourd, drumsticks, raw banana, eggplant, potatoes, and more.
The dish is flavored with spices like nigella seeds, mustard seeds, ginger, and green chilies.
It’s finished with a creamy touch from milk or coconut milk, giving it a rich texture and subtle sweetness.
Unique Post:
Imagine a canvas painted with vibrant hues of green, purple, and yellow, each stroke representing a different vegetable in shukto. The aroma wafting from the pot evokes memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. In a world of bold and spicy dishes, shukto stands out with its understated elegance and complex flavors. It’s a celebration of simplicity and sophistication on a plate.
Benefits:
Nutritional Powerhouse: Shukto is packed with a variety of vegetables, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber essential for overall health.
Bitter is Better: Bitter gourd, a key ingredient in shukto, is known for its medicinal properties, including blood sugar regulation and improved digestion.
Gentle on the Stomach: The mild spices and creamy gravy make shukto easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.
Weight Management: With its low-calorie content and high fiber content, shukto can help in weight management and promote a feeling of fullness without excessive calorie intake.
Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of bitter, sweet, and savory flavors in shukto not only makes it a delight for the taste buds but also helps in balancing the doshas according to Ayurveda.
Nutritional Value:
Bitter Gourd: Rich in vitamins C and A, iron, and potassium.
Drumsticks: High in vitamin C, calcium, and iron, with antioxidant properties.
Raw Banana: Good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6.
Eggplant: Contains antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients that promote heart health.
Potatoes: Provide vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, while adding creaminess to the dish.
In essence, shukto is not just a dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that nourishes the body and soul. With its unique blend of flavors and nutritional benefits, it’s no wonder that shukto holds a special place in Bengali cuisine and hearts around the world.
Shukto recipe
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized bitter gourd (karela), thinly sliced
1 medium-sized raw banana, peeled and cut into thin slices
1 medium-sized potato, peeled and cut into thin slices
1 small eggplant, cut into thin slices
1 cup of drumsticks, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup of thinly sliced ridge gourd (jheenga)
1/2 cup of green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1/4 cup of mustard oil
1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon of nigella seeds (kalonji)
2-3 dried red chilies
1 tablespoon of ginger paste
1 tablespoon of poppy seed paste
1 tablespoon of mustard paste
1/2 cup of yogurt
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon of sugar
2-3 cups of water
Instructions:
Heat mustard oil in a deep pan or kadhai over medium heat. Once hot, add mustard seeds, nigella seeds, and dried red chilies. Let them splutter.
Add the bitter gourd slices and fry until they turn slightly brown. Remove them from the oil and keep aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining vegetables (banana, potato, eggplant, drumsticks, ridge gourd, and green beans) and fry them for about 5 minutes. Remove and keep aside.
In the same pan, add ginger paste and fry for a minute.
Add the poppy seed paste, mustard paste, turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the fried bitter gourd slices and the rest of the fried vegetables back into the pan. Mix everything well.
Add yogurt to the vegetables and mix gently.
Pour water into the pan, enough to cover all the vegetables. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through and the gravy thickens.
Once done, remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Shukto.
