Chhattisgarhi Lal Bhaji

Chhattisgarhi Lal Bhaji

Chhattisgarhi Lal Bhaji

Veg Vegan

Red amaranth greens (lal bhaji/cholai) stir-fried in mustard oil with garlic and dried red chilli — the deep crimson leaves turn the oil vivid pink as they cook. Eaten with rice and dal as a daily green, highly nutritious and distinctly Chhattisgarhi.

Cuisines

Chhattisgarhi

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Total: 35 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

2 cups lal bhaji (red amaranth leaves)
1 tablespoon mustard oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red chili powder
0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
0.5 cup water

Instructions

  1. 1 Wash the lal bhaji thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
  2. 2 Chop the lal bhaji leaves and set aside.
  3. 3 Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat.
  4. 4 Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter.
  5. 5 Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
  6. 6 Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  7. 7 Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt, and mix well.
  8. 8 Add the chopped lal bhaji leaves to the pan and stir to combine with the spices.
  9. 9 Pour in the water, cover the pan, and let it cook on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until the leaves are tender.
  10. 10 Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. 11 Once cooked, remove from heat and serve hot.

Tips

For an added flavor, you can garnish with fresh grated coconut before serving.