Juar Jo Dodo with Sai Bhaji

Ingredients

• 1 cup Chana Dal (Rinsed and soaked for at least 1 hour)
• 250 g Spinach (Roughly chopped, about 2 bunches)
• 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
• 2 medium Tomato (Finely chopped)
• 1 medium Potato (Peeled and cubed)
• 1 small Brinjal (Cubed)
• 100 g Bottle Gourd (Peeled and cubed)
• 2 tbsp Ghee
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 0.25 tsp Asafoetida
• 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• 2 pcs Green Chili (Slit lengthwise)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (Adjust to taste)
• 1.5 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1.5 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 3 cup Water
• 0.5 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preparation: Rinse the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in ample water for at least 1 hour, then drain completely. Wash and chop the spinach, onion, tomatoes, potato, brinjal, and bottle gourd as per the ingredient list.

2. 2

   Sauté Aromatics: Heat ghee in a 3-liter or larger pressure cooker over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds. Add the asafoetida, followed immediately by the chopped onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

3. 3

   Cook the Masala Base: Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, and slit green chilies to the cooker. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and mushy. Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook the spices for 1 minute.

4. 4

   Pressure Cook: Add the soaked and drained chana dal, cubed potato, brinjal, and bottle gourd to the cooker. Stir to coat them with the masala. Add the chopped spinach, salt, and 3 cups of water. Give everything a good stir to combine.

5. 5

   Cook and Rest: Secure the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 whistles (approximately 15-20 minutes). After the last whistle, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This can take 10-15 minutes.

6. 6

   Mash and Finish: Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the cooker. Use a potato masher or a traditional wooden churner (ghotni) to gently mash the cooked mixture. The goal is a thick, coarse, and cohesive texture where the dal and vegetables are broken down but not a completely smooth puree.