Shukto

The term ‘shukto’ originates from the Bengali word ‘shukuta’, which refers to the dried leaves of a bitter juice plant, capturing the essence of its unique culinary heritage. This traditional dish, loved by people of all ages, combines a medley of vegetables, spices, and milk to create a uniquely delicious and aromatic experience. Whether enjoyed during festivals or family gatherings, Shukto offers a delightful balance of nutrition and taste. Pair it with fragrant rice and savor the magic of this cherished Bengali recipe with your loved ones. Get ready for a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will leave you wanting seconds.

Shukto Recipe

To prepare a mouthwatering Shukto, you will need an array of fresh and aromatic ingredients. The traditional recipe typically includes bitter gourd (korola), raw banana, unripe papaya (kacha pepe), eggplant(begun), drumsticks (shojne data), flat beans(sheem), lentil dumplings (daal’er bori), sweet potato, Ginger paste, Paanch phoron (Bengali Five Spices), Radhuni (celery seeds), Sugar, Salt, Vegetable Oil, Ghee (clarified butter), Milk, and Water. The bitterness of some vegetables, like bitter gourd, is balanced with a touch of sweetness from the sweet potatoes.

Shukto Ingredients

• Potato-2 medium-sized (peeled and diced)
• Sweet Potato-2 small -sized (peeled and sliced)
• Drumsticks (Shojne Data)- 2 NOS. (peeled and sliced into 2-inch pieces)
• Unripe papaya (kacha pepe)- 1 NOS.(Small)
• Flat beans(sheem)- 5 NOS.
• Eggplant (Begun)- 1NOS.
• Unripe bananas (Kachkola)- 1 NOS.(Small)
• Bitter gourd(korola)- 4PCS
• Lentil Dumpling (Daal’er Bori): 10 pcs
• Ginger Paste: 1 tablespoon
• Mustard Paste (Shorshe Bata): 25 G
• Grated Coconut: 3 TBSP
• Milk- 1/3 CUPS
• Mustard oil- 4 TBSP (for Frying and Tempering)
• Ghee- 1 tbsp.
• Bay Leaves-4 pcs
• Paanch Phoron- ½ tsp
• Maida-1/4 tsp
• Radhuni (celery seeds)- 1/2 tsp (crushed to a powder)
• Salt- 1 tbsp.
• Sugar- 4tsp
• Water- 2 ½ cups

How to make Shukto Recipe

1. To begin making the Shukto Recipe, first we need to prepare all the vegetables in two ways: (a) drumsticks (shojne data), unripe papaya (kacha pepe) sweet potato, and potatoes need to be parboiled. (b) Eggplant (begun), bitter gourd(korola), and unripe banana (kachkola)will need to be fried.
2. So, put the first group of vegetables in a boiling pot with a little amount of salt and 2 ½ cups of water. Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes to partially cook the ingredients. Stir it midway to steam evenly. When it is done, strain it immediately. Set aside the strained liquid for later utilization.
3. Heat mustard oil in a kadhai. Fry daal’er bori until golden, Set aside. One by one, fry the bitter gourd, raw banana, and eggplant until they turn golden brown. Afterward, take them out of the oil and set them aside.
4. Next, heat the oil with bay leaves and paanch phoron. Once the spices release their aroma, incorporate ginger paste and sauté for a minute over low heat. Next, add the mustard paste (shorshe bata) and continue cooking. If the pan becomes dry, simply add a small amount of water or the reserved vegetable-straining liquid as needed. Mix it well until the oil separates.
5. Add boiled potatoes, and cook on low heat for 3 minutes. Later add the rest of the boiled vegetables, along with fried kachkola and the bori. Add salt and sugar. Mix everything well.
6. Sprinkle grated coconut and give everything a gentle stir. Now, add the reserved water from the boiled vegetables. Add brinjal and korola. Mix gently so that the veggies do not break.
7. Make a solution of milk and Maida, and pour it into the kadhai. Cook over the Shukto mixture on low flame until all the vegetables are fully cooked for 3 mins.
8. For the final touch, crush radhuni into a powder using a mortar and pestle, and sprinkle it over the Shukto. Lastly, incorporate a spoonful of ghee, cover the pan, and allow it to sit for a minute, allowing the flavors to combine.
9. Your delicious Shukto recipe is ready to serve.

Nutrition

Flat beans are high in vitamin C, antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which helps to boost your immune system and potentially reduce stroke severity.
Green bananas contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which offer a wholesome nutritional boost.
Drumsticks, abundant in iron and calcium, support a robust and healthy bone structure
Bitter gourd helps to decrease and lowers your blood sugar levels.
Unripe papaya helps to improve your digestive health.
Sweet potatoes contain rich amounts of beta-carotene and vitamin A. It can reduce your “bad” cholesterol. Incorporating these ingredients in your meals not only enhances your flavors but also covey a range of health benefits.

TIPS

Try to use authentic Radhuni masala which is used in Bengal to enhance your flavor’s in Shukto.