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 Wash the lal bhaji thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
- 2 Chop the lal bhaji leaves and set aside.
- 3 Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat.
- 4 Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter.
- 5 Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
- 6 Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 7 Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt, and mix well.
- 8 Add the chopped lal bhaji leaves to the pan and stir to combine with the spices.
- 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 Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 11 Once cooked, remove from heat and serve hot.
Tips
For an added flavor, you can garnish with fresh grated coconut before serving.