Bengali White Flat Bean Paste (Sheem Bharta)

20 minutes

1001 reads

4.75 from 4 votes

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!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total20 minutes
Calories31 kcal
Serves4
Served AsDinnerLunch
Recipe TasteSpicy

Ingredients
 

Flat Beans

Aromatics and Flavorings

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Instructions
 

  • Steam the flat beans until tender. This ensures they'll mash easily and have a smooth texture.
    Bengali White Flat Bean Paste (Sheem Bharta) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • In a bowl, combine the steamed flat beans, garlic, green chili paste, and coconut paste.
    Bengali White Flat Bean Paste (Sheem Bharta) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • 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.
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4.75 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 31kcalFat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4g

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 Comments

4.75 from 4 votes

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