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A quintessential Bengali mixed vegetable stew, celebrated for its unique bitter-sweet flavor profile. It combines a medley of vegetables with a creamy mustard-poppy seed gravy, traditionally served as the first course to cleanse the palate.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Spice Paste
Fry Bori and Bitter Gourd
Temper Spices and Sauté Vegetables
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A quintessential Bengali mixed vegetable stew, celebrated for its unique bitter-sweet flavor profile. It combines a medley of vegetables with a creamy mustard-poppy seed gravy, traditionally served as the first course to cleanse the palate.
This bengali recipe takes 55 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 386.29 calories per serving with 9.3g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Simmer the Shukto
Finishing Touches
Replace the whole milk with an equal amount of unsweetened coconut milk or cashew milk for a creamy, plant-based version. Omit the ghee or use a vegan substitute.
Incorporate other traditional vegetables like hyacinth beans (sheem) or flat beans (papdi). Add them along with the softer vegetables.
If Radhuni is unavailable, you can finish the dish with a pinch of garam masala for a different but still aromatic flavor profile.
Traditionally eaten at the start of a meal, the bitter elements in Shukto are believed to stimulate digestive enzymes, preparing the gut for the courses to follow. The high fiber content from the vegetables also aids in regular bowel movements.
The dish incorporates a wide array of vegetables like drumsticks, raw papaya, sweet potato, and eggplant, making it a powerhouse of vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (potassium, iron, magnesium).
Bitter gourd, a key ingredient, contains compounds that have been shown to have a glucose-lowering effect, making Shukto a potentially beneficial dish for those managing blood sugar levels.
Spices like ginger and mustard seeds used in the paste have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Shukto is a traditional Bengali vegetarian dish that features a medley of vegetables in a slightly bitter and sweet gravy. It is typically served as the first course of a meal to cleanse the palate and aid digestion.
Yes, Shukto is very healthy. It is packed with a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and a high amount of dietary fiber. The use of bitter gourd is also beneficial for blood sugar management.
One serving of Shukto (approximately 1 cup or 325g) contains around 280-320 calories. The calorie count can vary based on the amount of oil, ghee, and the specific vegetables used.
The bitterness comes from the bitter gourd. To control it, ensure you don't over-fry it, as this can intensify the flavor. You can also soak the sliced bitter gourd in salt water for 15 minutes before frying. Finally, balance the taste by adjusting the amount of sugar and sweet potato.
Yes, you can, but Radhuni (wild celery seeds) provides the signature aroma of authentic Shukto. If you can't find it, the dish will still be delicious. Some people use a tiny pinch of celery seeds or simply rely on the panch phoron for flavor.
Store leftover Shukto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.