Bandhakobi Tarkari
A light, everyday Bengali stir-fry of shredded cabbage with potatoes and green peas. Subtly spiced with ginger and green chilies, this simple tarkari comes together in minutes and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm rotis on a weeknight.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Shred the cabbage and prep the vegetables.
1.Remove any wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut it into quarters and remove the hard core.2.Thinly shred the cabbage using a knife or mandoline.3.Peel the potato and cut it into small, even-sized cubes. Slit the green chilies lengthwise. - temper · ~3 min
Make the tempering with panch phoron.
1.Heat mustard oil in a kadai or large pan over medium heat until it reaches its smoking point.2.Lower the heat slightly, add panch phoron and broken dried red chilies. Let them crackle and sizzle for 30 seconds.TIPWait until the mustard oil turns pale yellow and its raw pungent smell disappears. This ensures the oil is ready for cooking. - saute · ~5 min
Sauté the potatoes and aromatics.
1.Add the cubed potatoes to the pan. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they start to turn light golden.2.Add the grated ginger and slit green chilies. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - saute · ~3 min
Add cabbage, peas, and spices.
1.Add the shredded cabbage and green peas to the pan. Stir well to mix everything.2.Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. Toss everything to coat evenly.TIPDon't add any water. The cabbage will release its own moisture and cook in that steam. - simmer · ~12 min
Cover and cook the tarkari.
1.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.2.Let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring gently once or twice to prevent sticking.3.Uncover and check that the potatoes are fork-tender and the cabbage is soft but not mushy.TIPIf the cabbage still looks watery, increase the heat and cook uncovered for 2 minutes to dry out any excess moisture. - garnish
Finish with coriander and serve hot.
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped coriander leaves. Serve immediately with steamed rice or rotis.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mandoline for evenly shredded cabbage, which ensures uniform cooking.
- 2Mustard oil must come to its smoking point first to mellow its sharpness and develop the authentic Bengali flavor.
- 3Do not add water—the cabbage releases enough moisture to steam the vegetables perfectly.
- 4Cut potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook through in the same time as the cabbage.
- 5If the finished tarkari is too watery, remove the lid and cook on high heat for 2 minutes to dry it out.
- 6This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Adapt it for your goals.
No-oil
Skip the mustard oil and dry-roast the panch phoron and dried chilies in a non-stick pan, then cook the vegetables with a splash of water or vegetable broth. This removes all added fat while keeping the spice base, ideal for low-oil or calorie-conscious diets.
protein richProtein-rich
Add 1/2 cup of cubed paneer or tofu in step 3 after sautéing the potatoes, and stir-fry until lightly golden. This boosts the protein content, making the tarkari a more substantial main dish for vegetarians.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder along with the turmeric and add 2 extra slit green chilies. Perfect for those who crave more heat without altering the Bengali flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Cabbage and green peas are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Low in Calories
This stir-fry is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a perfect light side dish for weight management, with the majority of energy coming from plant-based carbohydrates.
High in Vitamin C
Cabbage and fresh green chilies are both rich in vitamin C, a key antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
Contains Potassium
Potatoes and peas are good sources of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but mustard oil gives the authentic Bengali taste. If you substitute, use vegetable or sunflower oil and add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds for some of the pungency.
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