Cholar Shak: Authentic Bengali Gram Leaves Recipe
30 minutes
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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.
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
Chana Leaves and Aromatics
- 250 gm Chana Leaves bengal gram leaves
- 4-5 Cloves whole
- 2-4 Chilies green, slit
- 1 tsp Ginger finely minced
Spices and Seasoning
- 2 Chilies dried, red
- 2-3 tsp Panch Phoron five spice masala
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
Oil
- 2 tbsp Mustard Oil
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.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 156mgPotassium: 182mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 429IUVitamin C: 72mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg
3 Comments
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This looks incredible! Thank you.
I’m excited to try this recipe!
Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.