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Begun aloo shutki

Begun Aloo Shutki: A Rustic Bangladeshi Specialty
Begun Aloo Shutki is a traditional Bangladeshi dish that combines eggplant (begun), potatoes (aloo), and dried fish (shutki) into a bold and flavorful curry. The dried fish, known for its intense umami flavor, is cooked with onions, garlic, and a medley of spices like turmeric, chili, and mustard oil, infusing the dish with its distinct aroma. Tender eggplant and potatoes absorb the spices and flavors, creating a perfect harmony of earthy, smoky, and spicy notes.
This dish is typically served with steamed rice, offering a nostalgic taste of Bangladeshi village cuisine that celebrates strong flavors and hearty ingredients.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 serves
Course: dinner, lunch, sides, vegetable curry
Cuisine: Assamese, bangladeshi, Bengali
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 500g eggplant diced
  • 2 cups diced peeled potatoes
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes optional
  • 1 cup sliced onion
  • 4 chepa shutki/shidol a type of dry fish
  • 1/2 cup morula shutki
  • 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
  • 4 green chillies
  • 1/2 cup freshly chopped coriander
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil/mustard oil to cook.

Equipment

  • 1 pan/karai to cook

Method
 

The bhaji dry version
  1. In a pan add some oil, throw in the sliced onion, fry until golden, add some water, ginger garlic paste, sliced tomatoes and give it a good mix.
  2. add the chili and turmeric and mix again.
  3. after cooking the spices for a few minutes, add in the add in shutkis and the diced potatoes.
  4. Add salt and some water, and cover the pan to make sure potatoes cook evenly.
  5. After 10 minutes the potatoes should be soft.
  6. Now add in the eggplant, mix well, cover and cook.
  7. cook on medium low heat for 10-12 minutes.
  8. once all the veggies are soft and caramelised, garnish with fresh chilies and coriander.
  9. serve with plain rice, roti, and a slice of 🍋
for oil free gravy version also known as begun shutki shira
  1. in a pan, add all the ingredients lisyed above and mix very very well. add water and cook it covered until everything is soft and delicious .
  2. Add enough water to get the gravy consistency of your choice .
  3. servet hot with plain rice and lemon.
  4. Enjoy.