Delicious Sitaphal Ki Sabzi Recipe for Your Next Meal
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I want to share with you a unique and delicious vegetable recipe that will blow your taste buds away – Sitaphal ki Sabzi, or Custard Apple Vegetable!
This recipe originates from the northern region of India and is made using Sitaphal, also known as Custard Apple. This fruit is almost unknown in the Western world, but it is revered in India for its unique creamy and sweet flavor.
I first tried this dish at a wedding in India, and I could not resist asking the chef for the recipe. After some experimentation and tweaking, I finally discovered the perfect blend of ingredients to recreate this sumptuous dish in my own kitchen.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed by everyone, including vegetarians and those who are watching their weight. It’s packed full of health-boosting nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and vitamins C and B6.
Sitaphal ki Sabzi is not just an exotic dish to spice up your dinner party; it’s a wholesome meal that you can enjoy any day of the week. Trust me; once you try it, you won’t be able to resist making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love trying out unique and flavorful vegetable recipes, then you simply cannot miss the exquisite taste of sitaphal ki sabzi or custard apple vegetable. This recipe is a must-try for all the food enthusiasts out there who are looking to explore savory dishes that stray from the traditional path. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will definitely become one of your all-time favorites.
The first and foremost reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it is packed with nutrients and is perfect for people who are watching their weight. Custard apples or sitaphal are low in calories and high in fiber, which makes them an ideal choice for those who want to indulge in delicious meals without worrying about gaining undesirable pounds. Additionally, the inclusion of other healthy ingredients such as methi dana (fenugreek seeds) and channa dal provides extra nutritional value to this dish.
Another reason that adds to the allure of this dish is its unique combination of flavors. The sweetness of custard apple perfectly complements the spicy blend of red chili powder, amchur powder, coriander powder, ginger, and salt, giving it a distinctive flavor that is unlike any other vegetable dish. The garnishing with fresh cilantro adds an extra layer of aromatic richness to the experience.
Finally, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor profile, simply use fewer red chilies or reduce the amount of ginger used. You can even substitute custard apple with other fruits like pumpkin or kaddu ki sabzi if you want to experiment with different flavors.
In conclusion, sitaphal ki sabzi is an incredibly delicious and healthy recipe that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy flavors. With its unique taste and easy customization options, this dish is sure to add new dimensions to your culinary journey. So grab those aprons and give this lip-smacking vegetable recipe a try today!
Ingredient List
Here is what you’ll need to make this one-of-a-kind vegetative recipe. These ingredients can be found in any local Indian grocery store or supermarket.
- Custard Apple (Sitaphal ki) – 1 medium-sized
- Ghee – 1 cup
- Channa Dal soaked and drained- 1 cup
- Methi Dana (Fenugreek Seeds) – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Red Chili Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Red Chilies – 2, broken into pieces
- Sugar – 1 tablespoon
- Coriander Powder – 2 teaspoons
- Ginger (finely chopped) – 1-inch piece
- Cilantro (for garnish)
- Amchur Powder (Mango Powder) – half a teaspoon
Make sure you have all these ingredients before starting to cook the recipe as it makes the process much easier. All these ingredients provide the dish with a unique flavor and texture, which will enhance its overall taste.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Soak the Dal
Before we start cooking, we need to soak and drain 1 cup of channa dal. The process helps you reduce the cook time and soften it. Boil three cups of water in a saucepan and stir in the soaked, drained channa dal. Cook for 10 minutes till they are tender. Drain the water and keep aside.
Step 2: Preparing Custard Apple Paste
Cut open the custard apple/sitaphal, remove its seeds and blend it with some water to form a consistent paste. Keep Aside. Pro-tip: Keep some seeds along with the paste as their sweetness adds to the taste of the dish.
Step 3: Add Spices
In a skillet or frypan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee on medium-high heat until it melts completely. After that, Add 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds /methi dana and fry for 30 seconds until they turn golden brown in colour.
Add 2 dried red chilies, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Stir for half a minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Blender Mixture
Add the custard apple paste mixer into the skillet/frying pan and combine it well with other spices. Furthermore, add boiled dal into it and mix well. Lower down the heat to medium-low for ten minutes or till it thickens.
Step 5: Seasoning
Season with some salt (to taste), sugar (optional), and one teaspoon of amchur powder/dried mango powder. Cook for an additional five minutes.
Step 6: Garnish
Finally, garnish with chopped coriander leaves/cilantro.
Your sabzi is ready to be served hot with rice or roti!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best aspects of cooking is the freedom to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The same applies to the recipe of Sitaphal ki sabzi, also known as Custard Apple Vegetable. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try based on your preferences or the availability of the ingredients:
– Substitute Sitaphal: If you cannot find Custard Apple, you can swap it for pumpkin or butternut squash. This switch will completely alter the flavor profile of the recipe, but it would still be delicious.
– Add More Heat: If you like your food spicy, you can adjust this recipe to fit that preference. By adding more red chilies, green chilies, or red chili powder, you can give your dish a nice kick. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
– Dal Substitution: The original recipe calls for soaked and drained Channa Dal (Bengal Gram). However, you can substitute it with any lentil dal like Masoor dal and Toor dal.
– Make it Creamy: Serve sitaphal custard along with the Sitaphal ki sabzi. This would create a creamy and savory dessert-like twist, which is perfect if you are a fan of sweet-savory flavors.
– Serving variations: You can serve sitaphal ki sabzi with hot chapati, roti or paratha. Also, it pairs well with any kind of Dal Tadka or plain boiled rice.
These substitutions and variations can help you adapt this unique vegetable recipe to suit your preferences or work with what’s in your pantry or fridge. With a little experimentation, you might even come up with your own Sitaphal ki sabzi variation that becomes a hit amongst family and friends.
Serving and Pairing
Sitaphal ki sabzi (custard apple vegetable) is a delightful and unexpected addition to any Indian meal. This dish pairs perfectly with hot freshly cooked Basmati rice, naan or roti bread. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of flavor and freshness to this already savory dish.
If you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian option, consider serving sitaphal ki sabzi alongside dal or chana masala. The sweet and savory flavors of this dish beautifully contrast the spiciness of these lentil-based recipes.
Additionally, since sitaphal ki subzi has a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, it can also be paired with sweet desserts such as rabdi, basundi, ice cream, and apple kheer. For those who want a healthier option, sitaphal milkshake or sitaphal basundi also works very well.
For those trying to stick to their weight loss goals, even many pumpkin recipes are fantastic substitutes for the custard apple in this recipe! The soft textures of pumpkin and the natural sweetness work well in most Indian dishes besides adding fiber and various other vitamins to your diet.
In conclusion, sitaphal ki sabzi is an excellent choice to add more variation to your Indian dinner rotation. Its unique flavor profile makes it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an entrée or dessert, paired with other Indian delicacies or served all by itself!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making Sitaphal Ki Sabzi in advance is a great way to have a quick meal on the table when you’re short on time. You can prepare the dish up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sabzi does tend to thicken over time, so when you reheat it, you may need to add a little water or milk to adjust the consistency.
To reheat the Sitaphal Ki Sabzi, heat a tablespoon of ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sabzi and stir well. If the sabzi feels too thick, add some water or milk to thin it out. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
One thing to keep in mind is that reheating Sitaphal Ki Sabzi can cause the custard apple seeds to become bitter. To avoid this, remove as many seeds as possible before storing the sabzi.
If you have leftover Sitaphal Ki Sabzi, you can also use it as a filling for parathas, samosas or any other savoury pastry. The slightly sweet and tangy flavour of this vegetable works really well with crispy pastries.
Overall, Sitaphal Ki Sabzi is an excellent dish that can be enjoyed both fresh and reheated. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch option, this recipe has got you covered!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making Sitaphal ki sabzi, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you achieve perfect results. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years of making this dish.
Firstly, make sure you use perfectly ripe custard apples. Overripe ones can spoil the taste, and underripe ones don’t have enough flavor. To know if the fruit is ripe, gently press on the skin – if it gives in slightly, it’s good to go. If not, wait a day or two for it to ripen.
Secondly, soak the fenugreek seeds (methi dana) and channa dal beforehand for at least an hour. This will help soften them up and reduce cooking time.
When using sitaphal custard or apple seed in this dish, be sure to remove them before adding the fruit to the pot. They can be tough, and detract from the overall texture of the dish.
Another small tip is to use ghee instead of oil for frying the spices. Ghee adds a richer flavor and helps create a better aroma.
Lastly, when garnishing your dish with cilantro and red chili powder, make sure you do so just before serving to keep these fresh flavors intact.
Following these tips should help you create optimum flavor and texture in your Sitaphal ki sabzi.
FAQ
As you dive into making your delicious Sitaphal ki Sabzi, you might come across some doubts that need clarifying. Don’t fret! It’s crucial to have answers to all queries while cooking, as they can influence the final dish’s outcome. Here’s a set of frequently asked questions on this recipe to help clear your doubts and pitfalls.
What is Sitaphal vegetable called in English?
The fruit known by various names such as Sitaphal, Sharifa, and Seethapazham across different Indian languages is commonly referred to as custard apple, sugar apple, cherimoya or sweetsop.
What are the side effects of Sitaphal?
It’s important to note that custard apple seeds can have harmful effects on the skin and eyes. Research has shown that using custard apple seed powder can result in significant pain and redness of the skin. Moreover, it has the potential to cause severe eye damage that may lead to loss of sight. It’s best to avoid the use of products containing custard apple seed to prevent any harm.
Is Sitaphal good for weight loss?
Sitaphal, also known as custard apple, is a fruit that is high in fiber and can greatly assist in achieving sustainable weight loss goals.
What is the benefit of Sitafal vegetable?
Have you ever considered using Sitafal in your recipes? It’s a fruit that is packed with Vitamin B6, which can help you boost your mood and alleviate feelings of depression or sadness. Additionally, it contains flavonoids such as catechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin that have been known to stop the growth of cancer cells. So, not only is it tasty, but it offers some notable health benefits as well.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen and looking for a new way to incorporate fruits into your vegetable recipes, then try out this Sitaphal ki Sabzi recipe! Custard apple and vegetables may seem like an unusual combination, but trust me, it’s a delicious one. With the perfect blend of spices like amchur powder, red chilies, coriander powder, and more, you’ll have a flavor-filled dish that is sure to impress. Plus, with its potential benefits for weight loss and other health factors, using sitaphal in your cooking can be a great addition to your overall diet. So next time you’re at the grocery store, grab yourself some custard apples and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with this sitaphal ki sabzi recipe. Happy cooking!
Sitaphal ki sabzi( Custard apple vegetable!) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 cup channa dal, soaked and drained
- 1 teaspoon methi dana
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- cilantro, to garnish
- ginger, sliced lengthwise,to garnish
- 2 cups sitaphal, chopped
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 red chilies, crushed
- 1 teaspoon amchur powder
Instructions
- Heat ghee in a pan.
- Add crushed red chillies and methi dana (fenugreek seeds).
- Allow to crackle.
- Remove from heat.
- Add chana dal.
- Bring back to flame.
- Add sitaphal and cook for a minute.
- Add corriander powder, red chilli powder, salt, sugar and mango powder.
- Mix well.
- Add just a little water so as to make the sitaphal soft and easy to cook.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover.
- Cook on low flame for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and ginger.
- Serve rightaway!