Bengali Recipes Vegetarian Shukto Made Easy and Delicious

Bengali cuisine is a beautiful tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas, often showcasing a vibrant mix of spices, vegetables, and subtle sweetness. One of the most cherished traditional dishes from Bengal is Shukto, a vegetarian medley that perfectly balances bitter, sweet, and savory notes.

This dish embodies the essence of Bengali cooking — a harmonious blend of diverse vegetables cooked in a mild mustard sauce with a hint of bitterness from bitter gourd, complemented by the creaminess of milk or yogurt.

Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Bengali cuisine or a curious foodie eager to explore new flavors, this vegetarian Shukto recipe brings the authentic taste of Bengal right to your kitchen. It’s not only nutritious but also a comforting and soul-satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.

Dive into the world of Bengali flavors with this step-by-step recipe and discover why Shukto remains a beloved staple in Bengali households.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Shukto recipe is a delightful introduction to Bengali cooking. It’s packed with an assortment of fresh vegetables, giving you a colorful and wholesome meal.

The subtle bitterness of raw mango and bitter gourd balances the sweetness of ripe banana and the richness of milk, creating layers of flavor that are both comforting and exciting.

Shukto is also incredibly versatile — it can be served as a starter, side dish, or even a main course. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by substituting dairy milk with plant-based alternatives.

The recipe uses simple ingredients but results in a complex taste profile, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a nourishing family meal. If you enjoy dishes like this, you might also love our Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe or the comforting Kidney Friendly Chicken Breast Recipes.

Ingredients

• Bitter gourd (karela) – 1 medium, sliced thin
• Raw banana – 1 medium, peeled and chopped
• Ridge gourd – 1 small, peeled and chopped
• Eggplant – 1 small, chopped
• Sweet potato – 1 small, peeled and cubed
• Green peas – 1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)
• Ripe banana (preferably red banana) – 1 small, sliced
• Mustard seeds – 1 tbsp
• Poppy seeds – 1 tbsp
• Dry red chilies – 2
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
• Ginger paste – 1 tsp
• Milk – 1 cup (or coconut milk for vegan option)
• Mustard oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
• Sugar – 1 tsp (optional)
• Water – 2 cups

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or kadai
• Blender or spice grinder
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon or spatula
• Serving bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the mustard-poppy seed paste: Soak mustard seeds, poppy seeds, and dry red chilies in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain and grind them into a smooth paste using a little water. Set aside.
2. Clean and chop the vegetables: Slice the bitter gourd thinly and sprinkle with salt. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then rinse to remove excess bitterness. Chop the raw banana, ridge gourd, eggplant, sweet potato, and slice the ripe banana.
3. Heat mustard oil: In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil until it starts to smoke lightly. Reduce heat to medium.
4. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped vegetables except for the ripe banana. Stir and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add ginger paste and turmeric: Stir in 1 teaspoon of ginger paste and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
6. Add water and simmer: Pour in 2 cups of water, add salt to taste, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook covered for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
7. Incorporate the mustard-poppy seed paste: Add the prepared paste to the simmering vegetables. Mix gently and cook for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
8. Add milk and ripe banana: Pour in 1 cup of milk (or coconut milk) and add the sliced ripe banana. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the banana slices.
9. Simmer gently: Cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat. Optionally, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance flavors.
10. Check seasoning and serve: Adjust salt and sweetness as needed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

To reduce the bitterness of bitter gourd further, you can soak the slices in salted water for up to 30 minutes before cooking. Rinse well afterward to keep the dish balanced.

For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk. This will add a slightly different but equally delicious creaminess.

You can experiment with adding other seasonal vegetables like drumsticks or pumpkin for variation. Some households add a pinch of nutmeg or a hint of mustard powder for an extra aromatic touch.

Try tempering with a few curry leaves or a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for an added depth of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Shukto is traditionally served as a starter or side dish alongside plain steamed white rice. The mild and slightly bitter flavors wonderfully complement the neutral taste of rice, making for a balanced meal.

For a more festive meal, pair Shukto with Magic Dough Recipe for fluffy breads or serve it alongside a light dal or lentil curry.

If you enjoy exploring Indian breads, this dish also pairs beautifully with soft rotis or parathas. For a fusion twist, try it as a side with milder curries like our Kosher Short Ribs Recipe (vegetarian adaptations can be made) to add depth and contrast.

Conclusion

Bengali vegetarian Shukto is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage. Its unique blend of bitter, sweet, and savory flavors creates a comforting and nutritious experience that’s perfect for any meal.

This recipe, with its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, invites you to dive deep into the heart of Bengali cooking.

Whether you’re looking to expand your vegetarian repertoire or impress friends with authentic regional flavors, this Shukto recipe is a must-try. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and enjoying the process, so feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your palate.

Don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes on our blog like the tangy Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe or the hearty Kidney Friendly Chicken Breast Recipes for more culinary inspiration.

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