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A classic Assamese sweet and sour curry made with elephant apple (Ou). This tangy and fragrant dish, tempered with panch phoron and sweetened with a touch of jaggery, is a unique taste of Assam's culinary heritage.
Prepare the Elephant Apple (Ou)
Boil the Apple Pieces
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
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A classic Assamese sweet and sour curry made with elephant apple (Ou). This tangy and fragrant dish, tempered with panch phoron and sweetened with a touch of jaggery, is a unique taste of Assam's culinary heritage.
This indian recipe takes 40 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 127.89 calories per serving with 0.72g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Combine and Simmer the Curry
Garnish and Serve
For a non-vegetarian version, add 4-5 pieces of pan-fried Rohu or another freshwater fish to the curry during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
To make the curry heartier, add one medium potato (peeled and cubed) along with the elephant apple during the boiling stage.
If jaggery is unavailable, you can substitute it with an equal amount of brown sugar or regular sugar, adjusting to taste.
A popular variation is 'Masor Tenga,' where this curry is made with masoor dal (red lentils). Add 1/2 cup of cooked masoor dal along with the boiled apple.
Elephant apple is rich in dietary fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and promote a healthy digestive system.
As a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, elephant apple helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections and free radical damage.
The presence of turmeric, which contains curcumin, and compounds in mustard oil lend anti-inflammatory properties to the dish, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Ou Tenga is a traditional sweet and sour curry from Assam, India, made with elephant apple (Ou). It has a unique tangy flavor from the apple, balanced by the sweetness of jaggery and the aromatic spice of panch phoron.
Elephant apple is a seasonal fruit native to Southeast Asia. You can find it in Indian or Asian grocery stores, especially those specializing in products from Eastern India, or at local farmers' markets in the region.
Yes, Ou Tenga is generally considered healthy. Elephant apple is a good source of Vitamin C and fiber. The dish is plant-based, relatively low in fat, and uses natural ingredients like jaggery and turmeric, which have their own health benefits.
A single serving of Ou Tenga (approximately 1 cup or 250g) contains an estimated 130-150 calories. This is a low-calorie dish, making it a great option for a light meal.
While mustard oil provides the authentic Assamese flavor, you can substitute it with any neutral vegetable oil like sunflower or canola oil if you prefer a milder taste or don't have it on hand.
Store leftover Ou Tenga in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and it often tastes even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.