Valor Papdi nu Shaak
A classic Gujarati winter specialty! Tender valor papdi (flat beans) and potatoes cooked in a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy masala. A comforting and wholesome dish that pairs perfectly with rotli and dal.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the vegetables
- a.Wash the valor papdi thoroughly. Snap off the ends and pull down the side to remove the tough, fibrous string. Chop the beans into 1-inch pieces. Peel the potatoes and dice them into 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop the tomatoes and slit the green chilies.
- 2
Make the tempering (Vaghar)
- a.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or a pressure cooker over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter, which takes about 30 seconds.
- 3
Add remaining tempering ingredients
- a.Lower the heat and add the cumin seeds, carom seeds, and asafoetida. Sauté for 10-15 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- 4
Sauté aromatics and vegetables
- a.Add the ginger paste and slit green chilies, and sauté for 30 seconds. Immediately add the chopped valor papdi and diced potatoes. Mix well to coat them evenly with the tempered oil and spices.
- 5
Add spices and cook
- a.Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander-cumin powder, and salt. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the raw smell of the spices to dissipate.
- 6
Simmer the shaak
- a.Add the chopped tomatoes and 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything together. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low-medium, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The shaak is ready when a potato cube can be easily pierced with a fork.
- 7
Add finishing flavors
- a.Once the vegetables are tender, add the grated jaggery, garam masala, and fresh lemon juice. Mix gently and cook for another 2 minutes until the jaggery has completely dissolved and the flavors have melded.
- 8
Garnish and serve
- a.Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving hot with phulka rotli, paratha, or as part of a Gujarati thali.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1De-stringing the valor papdi is crucial for a pleasant, non-chewy texture. Don't skip this step.
- 2For a faster cooking time, you can use a pressure cooker. After step 5, close the lid and cook for 2-3 whistles on medium heat.
- 3The classic Gujarati sweet, sour, and spicy taste is key. Adjust jaggery, lemon juice, and chili powder to your liking.
- 4Ensure you add just enough water to create steam for cooking. This is a semi-dry curry, not a gravy.
- 5For extra flavor and texture, add a tablespoon of grated fresh coconut or roasted sesame seeds at the end.
- 6This shaak tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Muthiya
Add steamed or fried methi (fenugreek) muthiya to the shaak during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a more substantial and festive dish.
Add Other VegetablesAdd Other Vegetables
You can add other vegetables like small brinjals (eggplant), drumsticks (saragvo), or sweet potato along with the potatoes.
With OnionWith Onion
For a different flavor profile, add one finely chopped onion after the tempering and sauté until translucent before adding the ginger paste.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic paste along with the ginger paste and increase the number of green chilies for a spicier kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Valor papdi (flat beans) are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Aids Digestion
The use of traditional spices like asafoetida (hing), carom seeds (ajwain), and ginger helps to improve digestion and prevent bloating and indigestion.
Good Source of Energy
Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, which are a steady source of energy to keep you active throughout the day.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This vegetable-rich dish provides essential vitamins like Vitamin C from tomatoes and lemon, and minerals like iron and potassium from the beans and potatoes.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Valor Papdi nu Shaak (approximately 210g) contains around 180-220 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It's a relatively low-calorie and nutritious main dish.