Ambat Chuka Bhaji (Green sorrel curry)

I found Ambat chukka on my last visit to the market. It is a tangy cousin of Palak(Appearance is  like Palak but is very sour to taste.) In fact I googled to find out what it is called in other languages and was surprised to know that in Hindi it is actually called Khatti Palak. In English it is Green Sorrel and for other Indian languages see this page here

Ambat Chukka with hot plain rice is one of the top listed comfort foods for me.

For ambat chukka bhaji you need

 ½ a bunch of Ambat Chuka leaves with stems

¼ cup of peanuts soaked in water for 2 hrs

1 tbsp Chana dal (split yellow gram) soaked in water for 2 hrs

1 tbsp Besan (Chana dal flour)

1 tbsp jaggery

salt to taste

For the tadka(tempering)

3-4 garlic cloves

½ tsp mustard seeds

½ tsp cumene seeds

2 green chillies slit lengthwise

¼ tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp oil

Cook the chukka along with the peanuts and Chana dal in a pressure pan for 1 whistle. In a pan heat oil and then add the mustard seeds, once they crackle the cumene seeds. Add the garlic cloves and green chillies. Add the turmeric and then add the cooked Chuka. Add salt and jaggery and cook for a few minutes.Adjust the water quantity to the required consistency (usually this is made to a dal like consistency which can be eaten with rice)Once the water starts boiling add the Besan stirring continuously.Cook for a few minutes more .

Sweet and sour and a little spicy Ambat chukka is ready to eat. Serve hot with Bhakri or Plain rice (with ghee of course)