Authentic Bengali Sheem Bata: A Simple Flat Bean Paste Recipe
25 minutes
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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.
Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total25 minutes
Ingredients
Produce
- 500 gm Flat Beans
- 4 Chilies fresh, green
- 1 bunch Coriander cilantro, fresh
Aromatics
- 5 clove Garlic
Pantry
- 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
- 2 tbsp Mustard Oil
- 1 ½ tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Steam the flat beans until tender-crisp. This helps retain their vibrant green color and some texture.
- 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.
- 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!
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.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 50kcalFat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.6gSodium: 684mg
4 Comments
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Looks so delectable! Thanks for posting.
This is so inspiring! Can’t wait to cook it.
This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing.