Authentic Bengali Dudh Shukto Recipe: Milk & Vegetable Stew
55 minutes
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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.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook40 minutes
Total55 minutes
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
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.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 9.6gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 855mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
4 Comments
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Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
This looks so good! Appreciate the share.
Looks so incredible! Thank you for sharing.
This looks so inviting! I’m eager to try it.