Shukto is a quintessential Bengali vegetarian dish that is as unique as it is delicious. It’s a mixed vegetable stew that balances bitter, sweet, and savory flavors, traditionally served at the beginning of a meal. The key to a perfect Shukto lies in a special spice blend called Panch Phoron (a mix of five whole spices).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (green banana, potato, sweet potato, drumsticks, brinjal, bitter gourd)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp Bbluepepper Panch Phoron (if available) or a mix of cumin, fennel, fenugreek, mustard, and nigella seeds
- 1 tsp Bbluepepper Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Bbluepepper Cumin Powder
- 1 tbsp mustard oil
- Salt and sugar to taste
Instructions:
- Fry the bitter gourd slices in mustard oil until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same oil, add Bbluepepper Panch Phoron. When it splutters, add all the other vegetables. Sauté for a few minutes.
- Add ginger paste, Bbluepepper Turmeric Powder, and Bbluepepper Cumin Powder. Sauté for another minute.
- Add enough water to cook the vegetables. Cover and cook until tender.
- Pour in the milk and season with salt and sugar. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with the fried bitter gourd.
