Arbi ki sabzi is a traditional Indian dish featuring taro roots (arbi) cooked with aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander. The roots are simmered to tender perfection, absorbing the rich flavors to create a comforting and flavorful side dish. Garnished with fresh coriander, this dish offers a delightful balance of earthy and spicy notes, making it a popular accompaniment to Indian meals.
Here’s a simple recipe to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 250 grams arbi (taro roots)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Arbi:
- Wash the arbi thoroughly. Peel the skin and chop them into roundels or cubes. You might want to keep them soaked in water to prevent discoloration.
2. Cooking Process:
- Heat oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Sprinkle asafoetida (hing) and stir briefly.
- Add ginger paste and green chilies, sauté for a minute until the raw aroma fades away.
- Put in the chopped arbi pieces, stirring well to coat them with the spices.
- Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything gently.
3. Cooking the Arbi:
- Cover the pan and cook the arbi on low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Cook until the arbi pieces become tender and are cooked through. This might take around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
- Check the arbi for doneness by inserting a knife or fork; it should go through smoothly.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the arbi is cooked, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with chapati (Indian flatbread) or as a side dish with rice.
Tips:
- To reduce the itchiness sometimes associated with taro roots, you can peel and soak them in water for a while before cooking.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
This dish offers a delightful blend of spices with the earthy flavor of taro roots, making it a wonderful addition to any Indian meal.