Sojne Shak Bhaja (Moringa / Drumstick Leaves Stir Fry - Bong style)

 

           'Sojne Shak Bhaja' or Bengali style Moringa / Drumstick Leaves stir fry is a traditional dish and has its roots in the very heart and soul of Bengali cuisine. It is an extremely easy, simple and a quick recipe that consists of all the flavors infused in it. It is best relished with hot steamed rice. Do give this dish a try by following an easy step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this traditional rustic fare. 

           Moringa leaves is a good source of vitamins, minerals, calcium, protein and iron. It also contains anti-oxidants, boosts our immune system, fights inflammation, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol. 

          This dish is prepared by sautéing together onion, garlic, green chilies and moringa leaves. For more variations, you can also add few chopped veggies like eggplants, potato, pumpkin, radish, etc. before adding in the greens. 

          To get a pungent kick out of this dish, a tsp. of raw mustard oil is drizzled over the end product. This is mostly enjoyed with hot steamed rice for a comfort lunch.

• 3 cups moringa / drumstick leaves, washed & drained well
• 2 tbsp. + 1 tsp. mustard oil
• 1 dry red chili, broken
• 1 tsp. nigella seeds
• 8-10 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 onion, chopped 
• 2 green chilies, slit
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp. rice flour mixed with 1/2 tsp. roasted cumin powder and 1/4 cup water

          Chop the moringa leaves finely and keep aside. Heat 2 tbsp. mustard oil in a pan. Temper with dry red chili and nigella seeds. Sauté for a few seconds. 

          Add the garlic and stir fry for a minute. Now add the onion and sauté till light brown. 

 

          Add the chopped greens, salt, turmeric powder and green chilies. Stir fry on a medium flame till all the moisture has been absorbed.

          Then add the rice flour slurry and cook till it is well combined and everything comes together. 

           Switch off the flame and drizzle the remaining mustard oil. Serve with hot steamed rice for a great comfort meal. 

Heat 2 tbsp. mustard oil & temper with dry red chili & nigella seeds. Sauté for a few seconds. 

                   Add the garlic & stir fry for a minute. 

                Now add the onion & sauté till light brown. 

 Add the chopped greens, salt, turmeric powder & green chilies. Stir fry on a medium flame till all the moisture has been absorbed.

  Add the rice flour slurry & cook till it is well combined & everything comes together. 

        Switch off the flame and drizzle the remaining mustard oil. 

                 Serve with hot steamed rice for a great comfort meal.