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Lal mathachi bhaji (red amaranth stir-fry)
Lal mathachi bhaji (लाल माठाची भाजी): Maharashtrian red amaranth leaves with garlic, green chilli and coconut
In Mumbai and the Konkan, bunches of red math (amaranth) with their magenta stems come in during the monsoon, and this quick garlicky bhaji turns the dabba's chapatis pink at the edges. It is cooked fast in a hot pan so the leaves stay bright, then finished with a little fresh coconut, the coastal touch that sets it apart from the Bengali way with the same leaf. The mistake is cooking it covered for a long time, which turns it grey and watery. Chef's tip: chop the tender stems finely and cook them for a minute before the leaves go in, so everything is done at the same moment.
- Total time
- 18 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 3
Ingredients
- 10 ½ oz red amaranth (lal math)one large bunch, washed, leaves and tender stems chopped separately
- 1 tbsp sunflower or coconut oil
- ½ tsp black mustard seeds
- 5 cloves garlicchopped
- 1 green chillichopped
- 1 small onionfinely chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh grated coconut
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Heat 1 tbsp sunflower or coconut oil in a kadai over a medium-high heat. Add ½ tsp black mustard seeds and let it crackle, then add 5 cloves garlic and 1 green chilli and stir until the garlic smells sweet and turns pale gold.
1 minStep 2: Add 1 small onion and fry for 2 minutes until translucent.
2 minStep 3: Add the chopped stems of 10 ½ oz red amaranth (lal math) and stir-fry for 1 minute, then add the leaves and ½ tsp salt.
1 minStep 4: Stir-fry uncovered for 3–4 minutes until the leaves have just wilted and the liquid has nearly dried.
4 minStep 5: Take off the heat and toss in 2 tbsp fresh grated coconut. Cool before packing, and pack with an ice pack because of the fresh coconut.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 90 kcal
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbs
- 7 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does lal mathachi bhaji (red amaranth stir-fry) take?
- About 18 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 3 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of black mustard seeds?
- Cumin seeds, same amount (different flavour, same crackle).
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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