Ol Makha (Suran Bharta / Yam Bharta - Bengali Style)

          'OL' means Elephant Foot Yam / Suran and 'Makha' means boiled / mashed / bharta. So this is my version of a Yam Bharta a la Bengali style. This is another great way of serving this humble veggie which is full of essential nutrients. It is a simple homemade, easy and a yummy dish. The tempering is done in mustard oil for an authentic Bong flavor. 

           It is a great comfort food for those days when time is a constraint. You can try this recipe with potato too. It can also be had, rolled up in a roti as a wrap or spread on a toast for a quick meal. So check out step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.

• 500 gms. yam, peeled & cubed
• 2 tbsp. mustard oil
• 1 tsp. kalonji (nigella seeds)
• 2 dry red chilies, broken into half
• 1 tsp. garlic, chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped

          Boil the yam till soft or pressure cook for 2-3 whistles. When cool, mash them and keep aside.

          Heat oil in a pan and temper with dry red chilies and nigella seeds. Sauté for a few seconds.

          Then add the garlic, onion, salt and turmeric powder.  Sauté till they turn light brown. 
    
          Add this tempering and the coriander leaves to the mashed yam and mix well. 

          Serve with hot steamed rice or with chapattis / parathas.

                                 Boil Yam till soft. When cool, mash & keep aside.

                               Temper oil with dry red chilies.

                                Add kalonji & garlic. Sauté till garlic changes color.

                                Add onion, salt & turmeric powder. Sauté till light brown.
                                      

                         Add tempering & coriander leaves to the mashed yam & mix well.

                          Serve, garnished as a side dish with either rice or chapattis.