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A classic Assamese stir-fry featuring tender fiddlehead ferns and scrambled eggs. This simple, rustic dish is packed with flavor from mustard oil and basic spices, perfect with steamed rice.
Prepare the Fiddlehead Ferns
Sauté the Aromatics
Cook the Dhekia Xaak
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A classic Assamese stir-fry featuring tender fiddlehead ferns and scrambled eggs. This simple, rustic dish is packed with flavor from mustard oil and basic spices, perfect with steamed rice.
This indian recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 231.32 calories per serving with 12.8g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Scramble the Eggs
Finish and Serve
Add one small potato, finely diced, along with the onions. This adds extra texture and makes the dish more substantial.
For a non-vegetarian twist, add a handful of small, cleaned shrimp after sautéing the garlic and cook until they turn pink before adding the ferns.
Omit the eggs entirely. To add protein, you can stir in 100g of crumbled paneer or firm tofu at the very end of cooking.
Add a few tablespoons of fermented or fresh bamboo shoot along with the onions for a tangy, pungent flavor common in Northeast Indian cuisine.
Fiddlehead ferns are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
The addition of eggs makes this dish a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
The combination of vitamins A and C from the ferns and minerals like selenium from the eggs helps to strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.
Fiddlehead ferns contain important minerals like manganese and vitamin K, which play a vital role in maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Dhekia Xaak is the Assamese name for fiddlehead ferns, which are the young, coiled fronds of a fern plant. They are a seasonal delicacy in Assam and other parts of Northeast India, prized for their unique flavor and crisp texture.
Yes, it is a very healthy and balanced dish. Fiddlehead ferns are a great source of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. The eggs provide high-quality protein, making it a nutritious meal.
A typical serving of this dish contains approximately 220-240 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It's a relatively low-calorie dish packed with nutrients.
Cleaning is crucial. First, soak the ferns in a large bowl of cold water for a few minutes. Then, gently rub them with your fingers to remove the brown, papery scales and any trapped dirt. Rinse them under cold running water multiple times until the water is completely clear.
You can use a neutral vegetable oil, but mustard oil is highly recommended as it provides the authentic, pungent flavor that is characteristic of this Assamese dish.
Fiddlehead ferns are seasonal, typically available in the spring and early summer. You can find them in local markets in Northeast India, some Asian grocery stores, or specialty online food retailers during their peak season.