Shukto: A bitter tasting vegetable preparation

Uchcher Shukto/Shukto made with Bitter Gourd



- Small Bitter Gourds- 14
- Brinjal,medium- 2
- Mooli(White Radish)
- Peas- ½ cup
- Potato medum sized- 5
- Green Banana- 1
- Ginger paste- 1 teaspoon
- Panch Foran1 teaspoon
(Five basic spices mixed in equal proportion: mustard, Aniseed, Fenugreek, Cumin and Onion seeds).
- Sugar- 1 teaspoon
- Coriander paste- 1 teaspoon
- Milk- half cup
- Bayleaf- 1
- Mustard Paste- 1 tablespoon
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil- 2 tablespoon
- Plain Flour- ½ teaspoon


Cut the radish into thin and long pieces. Peel the potato and the Green banana and cut them into small long pieces. Cut the Brinjal and the Bitter Gourd in small long strips. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the Bitter Gourd in the oil. Toss them for a minute and add all the vegetables except the brinjal and the peas. Stirfry these vegetables for 5 minutes and then add the Mustard paste, and Coriander paste. Pour half cup of water. Once the water in the pan starts boiling add the brinjal, peas, salt and sugar. Cover the pan with its lid allowing the vegetables to cook. After a while remove the lid and check if the vegetables are cooked. If they are move them aside. Heat another table spoon of cooking oil in a pan. Add the Panch Foran and the Bay leaf in the hot oil. Once the Panch Foran starts sizzling pour all the vegetables in it. Mix the flour in the milk and pour it over the vegetables. Reduce the heat and wait until it boils. Once it boils and it thickens it is done.

Serve it with hot white rice.