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Recipe
Shukto - A Bengali Delight
Bengali Shukto: A Symphony of Flavors
4.4 out of 5
Shukto is a traditional Bengali dish that is known for its unique combination of flavors and textures. It is a medley of bitter and sweet flavors, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and refreshing.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
20 minutes
Total time
40 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free
Allergens
Mustard seeds, Poppy seeds
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Atkins
Ingredients
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2 bitter gourds, sliced 2 bitter gourds, sliced
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1 raw banana, peeled and sliced 1 raw banana, peeled and sliced
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2 drumsticks, cut into 2-inch pieces 2 drumsticks, cut into 2-inch pieces
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1 small eggplant, diced 1 small eggplant, diced
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1 carrot, sliced 1 carrot, sliced
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1 potato, diced 1 potato, diced
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1 tablespoon mustard oil 1 tablespoon mustard oil
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1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
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1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste
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1 teaspoon panch phoron (Bengali five-spice blend) 1 teaspoon panch phoron (Bengali five-spice blend)
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2 tablespoons poppy seed paste 2 tablespoons poppy seed paste
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1 cup coconut milk 1 cup coconut milk
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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
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1.Heat mustard oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
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2.Add ginger paste and panch phoron. Sauté for a minute.
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3.Add bitter gourd, raw banana, drumsticks, eggplant, carrot, and potato. Stir well.
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4.Cover the pan and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
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5.Add poppy seed paste and coconut milk. Mix well.
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6.Season with salt and simmer for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
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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.
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