Authentic Bengali Sheem Bata: A Simple Flat Bean Paste Recipe

25 minutes

1112 reads

4.75 from 4 votes

About Authentic Bengali Sheem Bata: A Simple Flat Bean Paste Recipe

Craving a taste of authentic Bengali comfort food? This simple Sheem Bata (flat bean paste) is a nostalgic trip back to grandma's kitchen, a cherished classic brimming with earthy, satisfying flavors.
Tender flat beans are blended with vibrant green chilies, pungent garlic, and fresh coriander, creating a vibrant paste that sings of home-cooked goodness. Served simply with steamed rice, it's a wholesome and flavorful lunch or dinner.
Rediscover this almost-forgotten gem and experience the true essence of Bengali cuisine – one delicious bite at a time.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total25 minutes
Calories50 kcal
Serves5
Served AsLunch
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

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Instructions
 

  • Steam the flat beans until tender-crisp. This helps retain their vibrant green color and some texture.
    Authentic Bengali Sheem Bata: A Simple Flat Bean Paste Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • In a food processor or mortar and pestle, combine the steamed flat beans, green chilies, garlic, fresh coriander, and coriander seeds.
  • Pulse or grind the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. Avoid over-processing, as some texture is desirable.
    Authentic Bengali Sheem Bata: A Simple Flat Bean Paste Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Transfer the paste to a serving bowl. Stir in the salt and raw mustard oil. The mustard oil adds a distinctive pungent flavor that is characteristic of Bengali cuisine.
  • Mix well to combine. Serve the Sheem Bata with steamed rice and enjoy!
    Authentic Bengali Sheem Bata: A Simple Flat Bean Paste Recipe - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For an extra smoky flavor, briefly roast the boiled flat beans over an open flame or in a dry skillet before blending them into the paste.
  • If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture instead of blending it into a smooth paste, allowing small pieces of beans and garlic to remain for added crunch.
  • To intensify the aroma, drizzle a few drops of raw mustard oil over the finished paste just before serving, rather than mixing it in earlier.
  • Sheem Bata tastes great as a spread for Bengali-style sandwiches or as a dip for vegetable sticks—try serving it as an appetizer for a contemporary twist.

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the amount of green chilies to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of grated coconut or roasted peanuts to the paste.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice can be added for a tangy twist.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover Sheem Bata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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4.75 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 50kcalFat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gSodium: 684mg

Geeta Biswas
Geeta Biswas

Are you missing old, traditional recipes? I, Geeta Biswas would love to share all those different tasty and traditional recipes. Most of my recipes are simple and very creative as I try to add twist and easy steps to prepare each and every recipe.

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4.75 from 4 votes

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