Bamboo Shoot Curry
Veg
Vegan
Tender fresh or dried bamboo shoots cooked with onions, green chillies, and a splash of mustard oil — a simple, earthy vegetable preparation eaten daily across all tribes.
Cuisines
Mizo
Sikkimese
Arunachali
Naga
Meghalayan
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Recipe
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Total: 45 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 200 grams | fresh bamboo shoots |
| 1 cup | cooked pork or chicken (optional) |
| 1 medium | onion, finely chopped |
| 2 cloves | garlic, minced |
| 1 inch | ginger, minced |
| 2 tablespoons | mustard oil |
| 2 cups | water |
| 2 teaspoons | turmeric powder |
| 1 teaspoon | red chili powder |
| 1 | green chili, slit |
| — | salt to taste |
| — | fresh coriander leaves for garnish |
Instructions
- 1 Peel and thinly slice the bamboo shoots, then boil them in water for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness. Drain and set aside.
- 2 Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat until it starts to smoke slightly, then reduce the heat.
- 3 Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- 4 Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 5 Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- 6 Add the boiled bamboo shoots and cooked meat (if using) to the pan. Mix well with the spices.
- 7 Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- 8 Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the bamboo shoots are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- 9 Add the slit green chili and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- 10 Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Tips
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more bamboo shoots or vegetables like potatoes or peas.