vaaLi bhajji bendhi

greens curry

vaaLi is a kind of greens that is very common among Konkanis. It is called ‘basaLe soppu’ in Kannada. I am not sure about the English name. It tastes like spinach. However, this dish can be prepared with any greens.

Ingredients

  • vaaLi - a bunchful (about 3 cups after cutting)
  • Grated coconut - 1 cup
  • Tamarind - apinch
  • Red chillies - 6 to 7
  • Garlic - about 7-8 cloves
  • Salt - To taste
  • oil

Method

  • Wash the bhajji thoroughly. Separate the stems from the leaves
  • Cut the leaves into small pieces and cut the stem into pieces of size about 1 inch.
  • Cook the greens in a little water with some salt.
  • Fry the red chillies with a little oil.
  • Grind the coconut, chillies and tamarind to a smooth paste. Do not add a lot of water as it tastes good if the gravy is thicker.
  • Add this to the cooked greens, add salt to taste and bring to a boil.
  • Crush the garlic and fry with little oil till it starts turning slightly brown.
  • Add it to the curry and close the lid immediately to retain the flavour of garlic.

Tips

  • Do not add more tamarind as vaaLi bhajji has a tinge of sour taste.

Preparation time: 20 minutes