Tuhau Bhaja (Fried Tuhau)

Ingredients

In the original Malaysian Tuhau dish, the wild ginger is typically pickled or used in salads. However, in this Bengali adaptation, the Tuhau is sliced and fried to create a crispy texture. The Bengali spices and flavors, such as cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds, are added to enhance the taste and give it a distinct Bengali twist. We alse have the original recipe for Tuhau, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) Tuhau, thinly sliced 200g (7 oz) Tuhau, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and mustard seeds to the pan. Toast the spices until they release their aroma and start to crackle.
3. 3.
   Add the thinly sliced Tuhau to the pan and fry until they turn crispy and golden brown.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the turmeric powder, chili powder, and paprika.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the spice mixture over the fried Tuhau slices and toss well to coat evenly.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and drizzle the lime juice over the Tuhau Bhaja.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
8. 8.
   Serve hot as an appetizer or as a side dish with your favorite Bengali meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tuhau — Make sure to slice the Tuhau thinly to ensure even frying and crispiness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
• Serve Tuhau Bhaja with a side of mint chutney or tamarind sauce for added flavor.
• If Tuhau is not available, you can substitute it with regular ginger, although the taste will be slightly different.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.
• Make sure to fry the Tuhau slices in small batches to ensure they become crispy and don't stick together.

Serving advice

Serve Tuhau Bhaja as an appetizer with a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy Tuhau Bhaja slices on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve it alongside a small bowl of mint chutney for dipping.