Xaakor Bhaji
A simple and soulful Assamese stir-fry featuring tender leafy greens and potatoes, tempered with the unique aroma of panch phoron. This rustic and healthy dish is a staple in Assamese homes, perfect with steamed rice and dal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Vegetables: Thoroughly wash the lai xaak (mustard greens) in multiple changes of water to remove all grit, then roughly chop. Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, ½-inch cubes. Finely slice the onion, mince the ginger and garlic, and slit the green chilies.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Temper Spices: Heat mustard oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke. Reduce the heat to medium, add the panch phoron, and allow the seeds to splutter for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Potatoes: Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies, and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears. Stir in the diced potatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the potatoes evenly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook Potatoes: Cover the pan and cook the potatoes for 6-8 minutes on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If they start to stick to the bottom, add a small splash of water. Cook until the potatoes are about 80% done (fork-tender but still firm).
- 5
Wilt the Greens: Add the chopped lai xaak to the pan
- a.It will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly. Gently toss everything together. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the greens are tender and the potatoes are fully cooked. Avoid overcooking to maintain the vibrant green color.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Final Touches and Serving: Uncover the pan, give it a final stir, and check the seasoning. Adjust salt if necessary. Serve the Xaakor Bhaji hot as a side dish with steamed rice and dal for a complete Assamese meal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For authentic flavor, do not skip the mustard oil. Heating it until it's lightly smoking helps to mellow its pungent flavor.
- 2Wash leafy greens meticulously. Soaking them in a large bowl of water for 10 minutes helps loosen any hidden dirt.
- 3To retain the nutrients and bright color of the greens, add them towards the end of the cooking process and cook just until wilted.
- 4Ensure the potatoes are cut into small, uniform cubes for quick and even cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Lentil Dumplings
For extra texture and protein, fry a handful of 'bori' (sun-dried lentil dumplings) until golden and add them to the bhaji in the last few minutes of cooking.
Different GreensDifferent Greens
This recipe works beautifully with other Assamese greens like 'Paleng Xaak' (spinach) or 'Dhekia Xaak' (fiddlehead ferns). Adjust cooking time as spinach cooks much faster.
Add a Tangy NoteAdd a Tangy Note
For a slight tang, add one chopped tomato along with the potatoes. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
With Fish HeadWith Fish Head
A traditional, non-vegetarian variation involves adding a fried fish head ('Maasor Mur'), crumbled into the bhaji while cooking for a deep, savory flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Mustard greens are a powerhouse of nutrients, including Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, which are essential for bone health, vision, and immune function.
Excellent Source of Fiber
The combination of leafy greens and potatoes provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic are well-known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Supports Heart Health
This dish is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The use of mustard oil, in moderation, provides beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Xaakor Bhaji is a very healthy dish. It is rich in vitamins and minerals from the mustard greens, provides dietary fiber, and uses wholesome spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It is a light, nutritious, and plant-based side dish.