Panchmesali Torkari
A vibrant, lightly spiced medley of five seasonal vegetables, slow-cooked in its own juices with a whisper of panch phoron and ginger. This Bengali classic celebrates simplicity — no onion, no garlic, just the pure, gentle sweetness of fresh produce kissed by mustard oil. Perfect with steamed rice and a squeeze of lime.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep all five vegetables into uniform cubes.
1.Peel potato and sweet potato; cut into 1-inch cubes.2.Peel and seed pumpkin; cut into 1-inch cubes.3.Cut brinjal into 1-inch cubes and keep in salted water to prevent browning.4.Drain the brinjal and pat dry before cooking.TIPUniform size ensures all vegetables cook evenly and at the same pace. - temper · ~1 min
Heat mustard oil and temper with panch phoron and chili.
1.Heat mustard oil in a kadai over medium heat until it smokes lightly.2.Reduce heat to low and add panch phoron and slit green chilies.3.Let the spices crackle and sizzle until fragrant (about 30 seconds).TIPWait for the mustard oil to reach its smoking point — this removes the raw pungency and makes it sweet and nutty. - saute · ~4 min
Sauté the root vegetables with ginger and turmeric.
1.Add cubed potatoes and sweet potatoes to the pan.2.Add ginger paste and turmeric powder.3.Stir well and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges start to turn golden.TIPSautéing the potato and sweet potato first creates a thin crust that helps them hold their shape. - simmer · ~15 min
Add pumpkin and brinjal, then slow-cook in its own juices.
1.Add cubed pumpkin and drained brinjal to the pan.2.Sprinkle salt and sugar evenly over the vegetables.3.Add 4 tablespoons of water, stir gently, and cover with a tight lid.4.Lower heat to the lowest setting and cook for 15 minutes, stirring once gently midway.TIPDo not add too much water — the vegetables release their own moisture. Too much liquid will make the dish mushy. - simmer · ~5 min
Add green peas and finish cooking.
1.Uncover the pan and add the green peas.2.Gently fold them into the mixture without breaking the vegetables.3.Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes until peas are tender.4.Uncover and check consistency — the dish should be moist but not watery.TIPIf any excess moisture remains, increase heat and cook uncovered for 1 to 2 minutes to evaporate it. - garnish
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the vegetables. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before transferring to a serving bowl.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cut all vegetables into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- 2Heat mustard oil until it just begins to smoke to mellow its pungency.
- 3Soak brinjal in salted water to prevent discoloration and bitterness.
- 4Do not stir the vegetables too often after adding the lid — gentle folding keeps them intact.
- 5Add only 4 tablespoons of water; the vegetables will release enough moisture to steam.
- 6If the dish looks watery at the end, cook uncovered for a minute to evaporate excess liquid.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Reduce mustard oil to 1 tablespoon and use a non-stick pan; the vegetables steam in their own moisture so the dish remains flavourful with less fat.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add ½ cup of cubed paneer or firm tofu along with the pumpkin; it absorbs the spices and makes the dish more satiating.
veganVegan
The recipe is already vegan — confirm by choosing sugar labelled vegan or omit it entirely.
summer harvestSummer harvest
Swap sweet potato with raw banana (plantain) and pumpkin with bottle gourd for a lighter, seasonal version.
no nightshadeNo-nightshade
Replace brinjal with an equal volume of cubed radish or zucchini to avoid nightshade vegetables while keeping the texture varied.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
The mix of potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, brinjal, and green peas provides both soluble and insoluble fiber, supporting healthy digestion and satiety.
Good Source of Beta-Carotene
Sweet potato and pumpkin are packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A for immune and eye health.
Low in Saturated Fat
Mustard oil is the only fat source and is naturally low in saturated fat, making this a heart-friendly vegetable preparation.
No Onion, No Garlic
This dish is naturally satvik (sattvic) — it avoids allium vegetables, making it suitable for many Hindu dietary practices and those with allium sensitivities.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but keep the total volume similar and choose vegetables with comparable cooking times — swap sweet potato for carrot, or pumpkin for ash gourd.
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