South Indian Style Sem (Chikkudukaya) Aloo Bhaji | Flat/Broad Beans-Potato Fry

South Indian Style Sem (Chikkudukaya) Aloo Bhaji | Flat/Broad Beans-Potato Fry

Author: Rumki Paul
Course: Main
Cuisine: Indian
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3-4 Persons

Sem (Chikkudukaya) Aloo Bhaji (Flat/Broad Beans-Potato Fry) is a very popular side dish in India, especially during winter. In this preparation, Flat beans and Potatoes are cooked in some spices and herbs. It is an excellent side and goes superb with Dal-Chawal, plain Dosa or any Indian flat bread.

As you know, I am a Bong and there are many authentic recipes of Bengali cuisine which are prepared with flat beans/broad beans, like Sheem Aloo Bhaja, Sheem Data Chorchori etc. which I have already shared with you.

As I am very fond of south Indian flavours, so I have decided to make the south Indian version of this bhaji. This recipe is inspired by the south Indian delicacy Chikkudukaya Aloo Bhaji.

My family is not so familiar with south Indian cuisine. So, when I prepared this dish for the first time and served them, initially they were in doubt about the taste of the dish because they are very used to with the taste of the Bengali meal Sheem-Aloo Bhaja with steamed rice and Vegetable Moong Dal.  But after tasting my Sem (Chikkudukaya) Aloo Bhaji, they loved the preparation. Now it has become part of our seasonal menu.

Use of Flat beans?

Flat beans are very famous green vegetables in India and you will get it almost every part of the country. It is one of the most versatile green vegetables which is used in different preparations.

Flat Beans are used in number of recipes of different cuisine. It is used to prepare stir fry, gravy curries, dry curries, vegetable dal many non-veg preparations too. Even roasted version of Broad Beans taste superb.

To prepare this palatable dish, first, I have trimmed the edges of the Broad Beans and cut them into thin strips. Then I have cut the Potatoes in same pattern.

To prepare Sem /Chikkudukaya Aloo Bhaji, I have used Curry leaves and Mustard seeds for tempering which gives the authentic flavour of south Indian food. I have fried the Broad Beans and Potatoes with Onion slices.

Though Broad beans have their own flavour but I have used Chilli powder and fresh Cilantro herbs for flavouring to complement the dish properly.

Sem /Chikkudukaya Aloo Bhaji is very light dish and it’s easy to prepare. You would need very few ingredients to prepare this dish. The best part is it tastes superb and gets cooked very quickly. This delectable dish pairs up equally great with Rice and Chapatis. It can be a healthy addition to our regular diet.

Health benefits of Flat beans

Flat beans are very healthy and full of vitamins and minerals. They are good source of proteins and even good for our heart. Regular addition of flat beans in our diet can boost our immunity. In fact, regular consumption of it helps in lowering our blood sugar levels. This dish can be a healthy and tasty addition to your diet.

Ingredients:

• 250 gms Sem (Flat Beans), thin strips
• 2 Large Potatoes, thin strips
• 1 Onion, thin sliced
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro
• ¼ teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 4-5 Curry leaves
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon Chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

1. Put Oil into the pan and wait until the Oil is hot.
2. Add Mustard seeds, Curry leaves and let them crackle.
   

3. Add Onions and cook it for 2-3 minutes in medium high flame until it becomes translucent.
   

4. Add Potatoes and mix it properly.
   

5. Cook it for 2-3 minutes in medium flame.
6. Add Sem and mix it well.
   

7. Cook it for 4-5 minutes in medium low flame.
8. Add Chilli powder, Turmeric powder and mix it well.
   

9. Cover the pan and cook it in low flame for 2 minutes.
10. Add Salt and stir it properly.
    

11. Add Cilantro and cook it for couple of minutes in low flame.