Shukto (Mixed vegetable Stew)

For 4 persons

Ingredients:

• 2 potatoes medium sized, cut lengthwise
• 2 medium carots, 1 radish, 1 brinjal, 2 ridged gourds (Jhinge in Bengali) cut in 1" pieces
• Beans, cut in 1 inch pieces
• 2 medium sized bitter gourds (karela) cut in 1 inch pieces, fried and kept aside
• 2 raw plantains (kaccha kela), peeled and made in 1" pieces
• 4 - 5 drumsticks, peeled and cut in 2 inch pieces
• Badi, 8 - 10, fried and kept aside
• Ginger paste, two teaspoons
• Radhuni (seeds) - for tadka
• Oil - one teaspoon
• Half cup milk
• Flour (atta) - quarter cup
• Salt
• Sugar - 4 teaspoons

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a thick bottomed karahi
2. Throw in the radhuni, stir in medium heat till it changes colour
3. Add the ginger paste, and quarter cup water, stir till the aroma of this composition fills up the kitchen
4. Add the vegetables, beginning with potatoes, then slowly, the rest ... carrots, radish, ridged gourd, raw plantains, drumsticks, brinjal, and the beans. Dont add the bitter gourd at this stage.
5. Mix everything in low heat, till everything is coated with the ginger paste.
6. Add water, according to requirement of gravy.
7. Add salt and sugar. Allow it to come to a boil in high heat
8. Lower heat and simmer, covered till potatoes are cooked completely
9. Mix the flour with adequate water to make it into a thin paste. Pour it in the stewed vegetable. Keep stirring. Let it boil for 2 minutes
10. Add a quarter cup milk to this. Stir.
11. Switch off gas. Add the fried bitter gourds from the top and stir them in.
12. The shukto is ready - This is the Bengali vegetable stew - Nutritious, cooling and great for summer months.