Shukto is a traditional Bengali dish popular in West Bengal, Bangladesh, and globally. It is a complex and unique starter or side dish, known for its subtle bitterness and combination of vegetables cooked in a mildly spiced gravy.
The ingredients include bitter gourd, drumsticks, raw bananas, eggplant, potatoes, and ridge gourd. The vegetables are lightly fried or sautéed before simmering in a gravy made from spices like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, ginger, turmeric, and sometimes poppy seeds. Milk or coconut milk is often added for a creamy texture. Shukto is known for its unique flavor profile, balance of bitterness, sweetness, and spiciness, and its health benefits due to its use of vegetables and minimal oil use.
Here’s a basic recipe for Shukto:
Ingredients:
For the Vegetables:
- One medium-sized bitter gourd (karela), finely chopped.
- One medium-sized raw banana, peeled and chopped.
- One medium-sized potato, peeled and diced
-One medium-sized ridge gourd (jhinge), peeled and sliced
-One medium-sized drumstick, cut into small pieces. - 1 Cup of pumpkin, peeled and diced
- 1 Cup of string beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil.
- 1 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2-3 dried red chilies
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
For the Milk Mixture:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (khus khus), ground into a paste
- 1 tablespoon grated coconut (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and peel all the vegetables as required. Cut them into slices or cubes, as mentioned in the ingredients list.
- Prepare the Milk Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together milk, poppy seed paste, and grated coconut (if using). Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat the pan and add two spoons of mustard oil.
- Add nigella seeds, mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and bay leaf. Let them splutter.
- Add the bitter gourd, potato, and raw banana to the pan. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes.
- Now, add the ridge gourd, drumstick (if using), pumpkin, and string beans to the pan. Stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle turmeric powder, ginger paste, sugar, and salt over the vegetables. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add the Milk Mixture:
- Pour the prepared milk mixture into the pan with the vegetables. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
- Let the mixture simmer over low heat until the vegetables are cooked through and the gravy thickens slightly. This might take around 15-20 minutes.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the Shukto and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt or sugar if needed.
- Once the vegetables are cooked and the gravy has reached the desired consistency, remove the pan from heat.
- Serve hot Shukto with steamed rice as a part of a traditional Bengali meal.
Enjoy your homemade Shukto!