Sai bhaji facts for kids
A plate of sai bhaji next to a Sindhi cap
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| Alternative names | Sindhi sai bhaji |
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| Type | Curry |
| Course | Main course |
| Place of origin | Sindh, Pakistan |
| Region or state | South Asia |
| Associated national cuisine | Pakistani, Indian |
| Main ingredients | Dal, spinach, greens and other vegetables |
| Ingredients generally used | Various spices |
| Similar dishes | Sindhi kadhi |
Sai bhaji (Sindhi: سائي ڀاڄي) is a yummy vegetarian dish from the Sindhi people. It's like a thick stew or curry. The main ingredients are dal (which means lentils), palak (spinach), and other healthy vegetables. This dish is a very important part of their daily meals. It's also super nutritious because it's packed with different kinds of greens. Sai bhaji is a favorite home-cooked meal in countries like Pakistan and India. Many Sindhi families living all over the world also enjoy it.
What is Sai Bhaji?
The name Sai bhaji comes from two Sindhi words. Sai means "green," and bhaji means "vegetables." So, the name tells you exactly what's in this dish: lots of green veggies! People eat Sai bhaji all year round. It's a great meal for both summer and winter. It's loved because it's so healthy and easy to make. In some dry areas of Sindh, people even dry seasonal vegetables. This way, they can cook Sai bhaji even when fresh vegetables are not available.
Ingredients and How It's Made
The main ingredients for Sai bhaji are chopped spinach leaves. People also add smaller amounts of other green leaves. These include fenugreek, dill, and gongura leaves.
These greens are mixed with lentils that have been soaked and drained. Usually, people use channa dal (chickpea lentils) or moong dal (mung bean lentils). A little cooking oil is used to make this tasty stew.
Other things added to the gravy make it even more flavorful. These include cumin seeds, fresh ginger, and garlic. Chopped onions and tomatoes are also important. Water, salt, and green chillies give it a nice kick. Spices like turmeric powder and coriander powder are added too. Sometimes, red chilli powder, brinjal (eggplant), and potatoes are included. The amount of spice is usually not too strong, so it's mild. When it's all cooked, the curry becomes smooth and creamy.
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Close-up view of sai bhaji being cooked
How to Enjoy Sai Bhaji
Sai bhaji is often served with fluffy basmati rice. You can also eat it with different kinds of bread, like roti. A very popular way to enjoy Sai bhaji is with khichdi rice. Khichdi is a simple and comforting dish made from rice and lentils.
