Lai Xaak Koni Bhaji
A simple yet flavorful Assamese stir-fry. Tender mustard greens are sautéed with scrambled eggs, garlic, and green chilies, creating a delicious and quick side dish that's ready in minutes. A staple in Assamese homes.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Heat mustard oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat
- a.Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and slit green chilies
- a.Sauté for another minute until the raw smell of garlic disappears and it becomes fragrant.
- 3
Add the chopped mustard greens to the pan
- a.Sprinkle the turmeric powder and salt over them. Mix everything well to coat the greens with the spices.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cover the pan and cook on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the greens have wilted completely and are tender.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Make a well in the center of the cooked greens by pushing them to the sides of the pan. Crack the 4 eggs directly into this well.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Let the eggs cook undisturbed for about 30-40 seconds until the whites begin to set. Then, use a spatula to gently scramble the eggs.
- 7
Once the eggs are almost fully cooked, gently mix them with the mustard greens
- a.Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until everything is well combined and any excess moisture has evaporated.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Serve the Lai Xaak Koni Bhaji hot as a side dish with steamed rice and dal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Wash the mustard greens thoroughly in a large bowl of water multiple times to ensure all grit is removed.
- 2Don't overcook the greens; they should be tender but not mushy.
- 3Using mustard oil is key to achieving the authentic Assamese flavor of this dish.
- 4For a spicier bhaji, you can finely chop the green chilies instead of slitting them.
- 5Ensure the pan is wide enough to allow the greens to cook evenly and to scramble the eggs comfortably.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, omit the eggs. To add protein and texture, you can crumble in 100g of paneer or firm tofu at the end of cooking.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the number of eggs from 4 to 6 for a more substantial, protein-rich dish.
quickQuick
Use pre-washed and pre-chopped packaged mustard greens to significantly cut down on preparation time.
healthyHealthy
To make a different healthy version, you can use other dark leafy greens like spinach or amaranth leaves if mustard greens are not available.