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Sai bhaji

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Sai bhaji
A plate of sai bhaji next to a Sindhi cap
Alternative namesSindhi sai bhaji
TypeCurry
CourseMain course
Place of originSindh, Pakistan
Region or stateSouth Asia
Associated cuisinePakistani, Indian
Main ingredientsDal, spinach, greens and other vegetables
Ingredients generally usedVarious spices
Similar dishesSindhi kadhi

Sai bhaji (Sindhi: سائي ڀاڄي) is a Sindhi vegetarian curry, consisting of dal (lentils), palak (spinach) and other vegetables. It forms a staple part of the local cuisine and is considered a rich source of nutrition due to its mix of various greens.[1][2]

It is a popular household dish in Pakistan, India, and among the Sindhi diaspora.[3][4][5]

Origins

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The name of the curry is said to be derived from two words of Sindhi language: sai (meaning "green") and bhaji (meaning "vegetables"), thus indicating the ingredients used to cook the dish.[6] Sai bhaji is consumed throughout summers and winters, as a night and day meal respectively.[7] It is favoured due to its healthy nutrition and simplicity of preparation. In the dry regions of interior Sindh, seasonal vegetables are dried and stocked for year-round cooking purposes.[7]

Ingredients and preparation

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The main ingredients used in sai bhaji include chopped spinach leaves, as well as smaller quantities of fenugreek, dill and gongura leaves. The greens are mixed with drained lentils (usually channa dal or moong dal) and cooking oil to prepare the stew.[2]

Other ingredients added to the gravy include cumin seeds, ginger and garlic, chopped onions and tomatoes, water, salt, green chillies, turmeric and coriander powders, red chilli powder, brinjals and potatoes.[2] The level of spices used is typically mild.[4] The curry has a smooth and creamy texture once cooked.[8]

  • Close-up view of sai bhaji being cooked
    Close-up view of sai bhaji being cooked

Serving

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Sai bhaji can be served with basmati rice or bread such as roti.[1][4] A popular serving combination is with khichdi rice.[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Dalal, Tarla (2003). Home Remedies. Sanjay & Co. p. 31. ISBN 9788186469736.
  2. ^ a b c "How to make Sai bhaji - fresh green leafy vegetables, chana dal and vegetables cooked together - a Sindhi speciality". Sanjeev Kapoor. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  3. ^ "How to make Sindhi Sai Bhaji - fresh vegetables cooked in Sindhi style". Sanjeev Kapoor. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  4. ^ a b c Kapoor, Sanjeev (2011). How to Cook Indian: More Than 500 Classic Recipes for the Modern Kitchen. Abrams. p. 7. ISBN 9781613121351.
  5. ^ "Recipe: Sai bhaji - the favorite Sindhi dish". Times of India. 25 July 2015. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  6. ^ "Sayee Bhaji- Spinach Vegetable". iFood.tv. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  7. ^ a b c Bannerjee, Himadri; Gupta, Nilanjana; Mukherjee, Sipra (2009). Calcutta Mosaic: Essays and Interviews on the Minority Communities of Calcutta. Anthem Press. p. 101. ISBN 9781843318057.
  8. ^ Kochhar, Atul (2015). Atul's Curries of the World. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 215. ISBN 9781472932785.
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