Bengali White Flat Bean Paste (Sheem Bharta)
20 minutes
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About Bengali White Flat Bean Paste (Sheem Bharta)
Experience the vibrant flavors of Bengal with this simple yet incredibly satisfying Sheem Bharta (White Flat Bean Paste). This dish is a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce, transforming humble flat beans into a culinary masterpiece.Tender steamed flat beans are mashed to perfection and blended with a creamy coconut paste, spicy green chilies, pungent mustard oil, and fragrant garlic. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of textures and aromas.This traditional recipe captures the essence of Bengali home cooking, offering a comforting and flavorful vegetarian meal perfect for any winter lunch or dinner. Discover the delicious depth of this seasonal delight!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total20 minutes
Ingredients
Flat Beans
- 250 gm Flat Beans
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 10 clove Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Chili Paste green
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Paste
- 1 Tbsp Mustard Oil
Instructions
- Steam the flat beans until tender. This ensures they'll mash easily and have a smooth texture.
- In a bowl, combine the steamed flat beans, garlic, green chili paste, and coconut paste.
- Mash the mixture thoroughly until it forms a smooth paste. A potato masher works well for this, but you can also use a fork or the back of a spoon.
- Heat the mustard oil in a small pan until it shimmers. This enhances the oil's pungent flavor.
- Pour the hot mustard oil over the bean paste and mix well. The hot oil blooms the spices and adds a depth of flavor.
- Serve the sheem bharta immediately. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice and fried dal.
- For a smokier flavor, briefly roast the flat beans over an open flame or in a hot pan before mashing.
- For added texture, mix in chopped roasted peanuts or fried coconut flakes before serving.
- If fresh coconut isn't available, use unsweetened desiccated coconut soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, then blended into a paste.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the amount of mustard oil and green chilies to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of mustard oil and coconut oil.
- A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors of the bharta.
Storage Instructions
- This bharta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Let it come to room temperature and drizzle with extra mustard oil before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 31kcalFat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4g
4 Comments
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Absolutely mouthwatering! Great share.
This looks so inviting! I’m eager to try it.
This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing.
Very simple yet interesting recipe. I will give a try.