Bhatt ka saag (called Bhatt ki chudakani or Dubke in Kumaoni) is a nutritious Uttarakhandi dish made from black soybeans (bhatt). To prepare it, fry the soaked bhatt in oil, then add a rice flour batter, spices (turmeric, coriander, chili), and water, and cook over low heat until thickened.
Method of preparation of Bhatt ka Saag:
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- Preparation: Soak about 1 cup bhatt (black soybeans) in water overnight or for 5-6 hours.
- Frying: Heat oil (mustard oil is better) in a pan and fry the soaked bhatt well for 3-4 minutes and then take it out.
- Seasoning and batter: In the same oil, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and ginger-garlic paste. Add 1-2 tablespoons of rice flour (or gram flour) and fry until golden brown.
- Cooking: Now add turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder and add back the fried bhatt.
- Add water: Add water as required (2-3 cups) and simmer on low flame for 10-15 minutes until the saag thickens.
- Serving: Season with salt to taste and serve with hot rice.
Tips:
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- Dubke: If you want to make it like ‘Dubke’, then grind the soaked bhatt and mix flour in it to make a thick paste and cook it in water.
- Taste: Cooking it on low flame brings out its earthy flavour.
This recipe is a great vegetarian and fiber-rich meal.
