Cholar Shak: Authentic Bengali Gram Leaves Recipe

30 minutes

1045 reads

4.34 from 3 votes

About Cholar Shak: Authentic Bengali Gram Leaves Recipe

Cholar Shak, or Bengal gram leaves, is a seasonal delight in Bengali cuisine. This recipe captures the essence of this fleeting vegetable, showcasing its unique flavor with a simple yet flavorful preparation. I love using seasonal ingredients, and when I spotted fresh chana leaves at the market, I knew I had to make this dish.
This recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. The slightly bitter chana leaves are balanced beautifully by warming spices and a touch of heat. Serve it hot with steamed rice for an authentic Bengali experience.
Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor this simple recipe delivers! It’s a testament to the magic of fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional Bengali cooking techniques.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Calories173 kcal
Serves2
Served AsDinnerLunch
Recipe TasteSaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

Chana Leaves and Aromatics

Spices and Seasoning

Oil

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Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Wash the chana leaves thoroughly, remove the stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Sautéing the Spices

  • Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the whole cloves and dried red chilies. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
  • Add the panch phoron and minced ginger. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cooking the Leaves

  • Add the chopped chana leaves, salt, and turmeric powder to the pan. Stir well to coat the leaves with the oil and spices.
  • Add the slit green chilies.

Simmering and Serving

  • Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Cholar Shak

  • Use Fresh Leaves: The flavor of Cholar Shak is best when using fresh, seasonal chana leaves. Look for leaves that are vibrant green and free from blemishes.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of green chilies and red chilies according to your preference for heat.
  • Don't Overcook: Overcooking the chana leaves can make them mushy. Cook until just tender.
  • Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, garnish the finished dish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving.
Explore Recipes by Tags bengali recipes

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4.34 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 156mgPotassium: 182mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 429IUVitamin C: 72mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

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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4.34 from 3 votes

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