Shukto: A Taste of Bengali Comfort Food

Craving a taste of Bengali comfort food? Look no further than Shukto! This vibrant dish features seasonal vegetables simmered in a creamy, mildly spiced gravy. While recipes vary, expect a melody of flavors from sweet potatoes and green bananas to the optional bitterness of bitter gourd.

Shukto is surprisingly simple to make. Start by tempering the pan with panch phoron and mustard seeds, then add a poppy seed paste and your chosen vegetables. Milk and water create a luscious gravy, and a touch of sugar and ghee brings everything together. Enjoy this delightful dish with steamed rice for a satisfying and authentic Bengali experience.

Ingredients

• Vegetables

 Potatoes, sweet potatoes, bitter gourd (optional, for a bit of bitterness), green bananas, raw papaya, brinjal (eggplant), drumsticks, and flat beans.

• Aromatics

 Panch phoron (Bengali five-spice blend), ginger, and mustard seeds.

• Wet Ingredients

 Poppy seed paste, mustard paste (optional), milk, and water.

• Finishing Touches

Sugar, ghee, salt.

Here’s a basic guide to making Shukto

Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Some vegetables like bitter gourd or raw papaya might benefit from parboiling to remove some bitterness.

Temper the Pan

 Heat oil in a pan. Add panch phoron and mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add ginger paste and saute for a minute.

Spice it Up

Add the poppy seed paste and mustard paste (if using) and cook for another minute.

Vegetable Time

 Add the chopped vegetables and saute for a few minutes. Season with turmeric powder (optional).

Simmering Symphony

Pour in milk and water to create a desired gravy consistency. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat until the vegetables are tender.

Flavor Up

Add sugar and salt to adjust the taste.

Finishing Touches

Right before serving, add a dollop of ghee for extra richness.

Tips

• Adjust the Bitterness: For a milder Shukto, skip the bitter gourd or parboil it first to remove some bitterness.
• Seasonal Twist: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
• Gravy Consistency: Control the amount of milk and water to get your desired gravy thickness.
• Creamy Touch: A dollop of ghee before serving adds richness.
• Serve it Hot: Enjoy Shukto piping hot with steamed rice for a comforting and authentic Bengali meal.

Shukto is traditionally served with steamed rice. Enjoy it with your family.