Shobji-Bodir Niramish #Jhol : The perfect way to beat the heat

It's blazing hot in #Kolkata now, with monsoons having bid goodbye and the sun shining in all it's glory. Kolkata is having an unexpected dry spell right now, with hot winds blowing outdoors.

In this searing heat, the Bengali craves for some simple veggies gruel or #SimpleShobjirJhol with hot rice for lunch.

Here I give you my recipe of Shobji-Bodir Niramish Jhol with Lentil Dumplings (Bodi):

Ingredients:

Potato: 1 Large/Medium peeled and cut into thick long strips

Ridge Gourd/Potol : 3, peeled and cut into thick long strips

Brinjal :  1/4, cut into thick slices

Green Banana (Optional): 1/2 peeled and cut into thick long strips

Raw Pumkin :  1/4, peeled and cut into small pieces

French Beans :  5-6, cut into two each

Lentil Dumplings/ Bodi : 7/8

Panchphoron (Five-spice mix) : 1/2 teaspoon

Turmeric, Red Chilli, Coriander, Cumin Powders: 1/2 teaspoon each

Salt to taste

Mustard Oil : 2-3 Tablespoons

Method: 

• Heat mustard oil in kadhai and fry the lentil dumplings (bodi). Remove from oil. 

• Fry the potato and other vegetables in the remaining oil.

• Remove from oil and keep aside.

• Add panchphoron in the oil and one green chilli (optional)

• Let it splutter then add the fried vegetables.

• Add 1 cup water, and turmeric, red chilli, coriander, cumin powders, and salt

• Cover with a lid and simmer for 5 minutes

• Remove lid, check softness of potato

• Add the fried bodis

• Cook on sim for another 5 minutes.

• Check taste, add salt or water to suit your preference

Ideally the jhol should have the consistency of a thin soup. Vegetables and bodis must be soft.

It's a simple dish and very healthy and soothing in summer or autumnal heat.

Give it a try when you are tired of onion-garlic-tomato based gravies :).