Shukto - A Bengali Delight

Ingredients

• 2 bitter gourds, sliced 2 bitter gourds, sliced
• 1 raw banana, peeled and sliced 1 raw banana, peeled and sliced
• 2 drumsticks, cut into 2-inch pieces 2 drumsticks, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 small eggplant, diced 1 small eggplant, diced
• 1 carrot, sliced 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 potato, diced 1 potato, diced
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon panch phoron (Bengali five-spice blend) 1 teaspoon panch phoron (Bengali five-spice blend)
• 2 tablespoons poppy seed paste 2 tablespoons poppy seed paste
• 1 cup coconut milk 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat mustard oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
2. 2.
   Add ginger paste and panch phoron. Sauté for a minute.
3. 3.
   Add bitter gourd, raw banana, drumsticks, eggplant, carrot, and potato. Stir well.
4. 4.
   Cover the pan and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add poppy seed paste and coconut milk. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and simmer for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Serve hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bitter gourd — To reduce the bitterness, soak the sliced bitter gourd in salted water for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Poppy seed paste — Soak the poppy seeds in warm water for 30 minutes before grinding them into a paste.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the amount of bitter gourd according to your preference for bitterness.
• Add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors if the dish turns out too bitter.
• Serve Shukto with steamed rice to enjoy the flavors fully.
• You can add a handful of fried lentil dumplings (bodi) for added texture and taste.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a pop of color.

Serving advice

Serve Shukto as a side dish with steamed rice and enjoy the medley of flavors. It can also be served as a starter or a part of a traditional Bengali meal.

Presentation advice

Present Shukto in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander leaves for an added touch of freshness.