Authentic Bengali Dudh Shukto Recipe: Milk & Vegetable Stew

55 minutes

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4.25 from 4 votes

About Authentic Bengali Dudh Shukto Recipe: Milk & Vegetable Stew

Discover the delightful Dudh Shukto, a traditional Bengali bittersweet vegetable stew. This recipe showcases the quintessential Bangal style, using milk and aromatic radhuni masala (wild celery) for a unique flavor profile. Unlike the Ghoti style, it omits mustard and poppy seed paste, offering a lighter yet intensely flavorful experience.
Bitter gourd takes center stage, complemented by a medley of other vegetables like drumsticks, carrots, and beans. My mother always insisted this nourishing and healthy stew was a lunchtime delicacy, a cherished family custom I've carried on. Prepare to be surprised by its unique bittersweet taste – a testament to the vibrant flavors of Bengali cuisine.
This detailed recipe guides you through each step, ensuring you recreate this authentic Dudh Shukto perfectly. It's more than just a dish; it's a culinary journey into the heart of Bengal.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook40 minutes
Total55 minutes
Calories192 kcal
Serves4
Served AsLunch

Ingredients
 

Vegetables

  • 1 medium Bitter Gourd halved lengthwise, karela, and thinly sliced. keep separated from other veggies., deseeded
  • 1 medium Drumstick cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • 1/2 cup Lentil Dumplings dried or homemade lentil dumplings., or boris, vadi
  • 1 medium Carrot chopped
  • 1/2 cup Beans trimmed and chopped., green
  • 1/2 cup Flat Lima Beans chopped.
  • 1 medium Plantain peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • 1 medium Ridge Gourd chopped., tori
  • 1 medium Potato peeled and chopped., sweet
  • 1 medium Potato peeled and chopped.

Spices & Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp Celery radhuni masala, wild
  • 1 tbsp Panch Phoron alternatively, and 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, use 1.5 tsp each of cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp Mustard Seeds rai
  • 1 tbsp Ghee optional

Other Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Milk whole milk preferred
  • 1.5 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Sugar adjust to taste
  • 6 tbsp Mustard Oil
  • 2 cup Water or as needed
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Instructions
 

Prepare the Dumplings and Bitter Gourd

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a wok. Add the lentil dumplings and fry until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • Add the sliced bitter gourd to the wok and fry until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

  • Heat the remaining mustard oil in the wok. Add the mustard seeds and allow to crackle.
  • Add the wild celery and Panch Phoron (or the alternative spice mix). Sauté briefly.
  • Add all the chopped vegetables (except the bitter gourd). Stir-fry for 5 minutes over medium-high heat.
  • Add salt and stir to combine.

Simmer the Vegetables

  • Reduce heat to low-medium, add 1 cup of water. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Prepare and Add the Spiced Milk

  • While the vegetables simmer, prepare the spiced milk: In a separate pan, gently heat the milk.
  • Once the vegetables are cooked, add the milk to the wok. Stir gently to combine.
  • Add additional water as needed to adjust the consistency.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 more minutes.

Finish and Serve

  • Stir in the sugar and ghee (optional). Remove from heat.
  • Stir in the fried bitter gourd and dumplings.
  • Serve the Dudh Shukto warm or at room temperature with steamed rice.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Dudh Shukto

  • Balancing Bitterness: If you find the bitter gourd too intense, soak the sliced pieces in salted water for 15-20 minutes before frying to reduce bitterness.
  • Spice it Up: For a spicier Dudh Shukto, add a pinch of green chilies along with the other vegetables.
  • Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like eggplant or pointed gourd, but always maintain the balance of bitter and sweet flavors.
  • Fresh is Best: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste and aroma. The freshness of the vegetables greatly impacts the final flavor.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.25 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 9.6gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 855mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Antara Navin
Antara Navin

I’m Antara Navin - the author of the food and travel blog - dimpieekitchen.com. I am a home chef who loves food and travel.

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4.25 from 4 votes

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