Bhatt Ki Churkani: A Traditional and Nutritious Dish from Kumaon

Bhatt ki churkani is a delicious and hearty dish made from black soybeans, also known as bhatt dal. It is a staple food of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, India, where it is eaten as the main component of a winter meal. Bhatt ki churkani has a rich aroma and a dark greenish-black colour that comes from frying the beans with spices and wheat flour. It is served hot with steamed rice and a dollop of pure ghee.

In this blog post, you will learn:

• What are the health benefits of bhatt ki churkani
• How to make bhatt ki churkani at home
• What are some variations and tips to enhance the flavour of bhatt ki churkani

Health Benefits of Bhatt Ki Churkani

Bhatt ki churkani is not only tasty but also nutritious. Black soybeans are a good source of protein, fibre, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. They help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. They also improve digestion, immunity, and skin health.

Bhatt ki churkani is also rich in spices like turmeric, coriander, red chilli, and garam masala. These spices have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. They also boost metabolism, digestion, and immunity. They add flavour and colour to the dish without adding extra calories or fat.

Nutritions and Health Benefits of Black Soybean

How to Make Bhatt Ki Churkani at Home

Making bhatt ki churkani at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients. Here is the recipe for 4 servings:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of bhatt dal (black soybeans)
• 1/2 cup of oil
• 1 teaspoon of jamboo (a Pahadi herb that adds a unique flavour and aroma to the dish) or An onion can be used as a substitute.
• 2 medium-sized red chillies
• 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 5 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon of pure desi ghee for garnish

Method:

• Soak the bhatt dal overnight or It can be used without the need for soaking.
• Heat oil in a deep pan or an iron kadai.
• Add jamboo and whole red chillies and fry for a few seconds.
• Add the soaked bhatt dal and fry till they start spluttering.
• Add wheat flour and fry till the mixture turns reddish.
• Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Stir well.
• Add water and bring to a boil.
• Lower the flame and simmer for about 20 minutes or till the bhatt dal is soft and the curry is thick.
• Add garam masala and mix well.
• Remove from the heat and transfer to a serving bowl.
• Garnish with pure ghee and serve hot with steamed rice.

Variations and Tips to Enhance the Flavor of Bhatt Ki Churkani

Bhatt ki churkani is a versatile dish that can be customized according to your preference. Here are some variations and tips to enhance the flavour of bhatt ki churkani:

• You can use black-eyed peas or kidney beans instead of bhatt dal for a different texture and taste.
• You can add chopped onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, or green chilli for more flavour and nutrition.
• You can add more water if you want a thinner consistency or less water if you want a thicker consistency.
• You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste buds. You can also add other spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafoetida, or fenugreek seeds for more flavour.
• You can serve bhatt ki churkani with roti, paratha, or poori instead of rice for a different combination.

Dubuk: A Delicious And Healthy Dish From Uttarakhand

Conclusion

Bhatt ki churkani is a traditional and nutritious dish from Kumaon that is easy to make at home. It is made from black soybeans that are fried with spices and wheat flour and cooked in water. It has a rich aroma and a dark greenish-black colour that makes it appealing to the eyes and the palate. Churkani is served hot with steamed rice and pure ghee.

Bhatt ki churkani is not only tasty but also healthy. It is rich in protein, fibre, iron, calcium, antioxidants, and spices that have various health benefits. It is a perfect dish for cold winter days when you need something warm and filling.

If you have never tried bhatt ki churkani before, you should definitely give it a try. You will love its unique flavour and texture. You can also experiment with different variations and tips to enhance the flavour of bhatt ki churkani. It is a dish that you can enjoy with your family and friends.

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