Dhekia xaak aru aalu bhaji....(Fiddle-head Fern & potato stir fry)

ঢেকিয়া  শাক-আলু ভাজি 

Different types of Xaak (leafy vegetables) are always a part of authentic Assamese cuisine. Dhekia xaak, the edible Fiddle-head Fern  is not only popular in Assam but also in the entire reason of our beautiful North-East. People love to cook this Xaak in different ways.For example...Dhekia xaak stir fry with chickpeas/potatoes, Fish sour curry with Dhekia Xaak and Ou tenga (elephant apple), Pork stew with Dhekia etc.

Ingredients:

• Dhekia (Fiddle-head Fern) - 2-3 bunches
• 1 potato ( cut into small pieces)
• 1 onion (Finally chopped)
• 1 tbs mustard oil
• 1 tsp salt (according to your taste)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder

Method:

• Wash the Dhekia xaak and chop the tender parts. keep aside

• Heat oil in  a pan.

• Add onion slices and fry them till brown in color

• Now add dhekia xaak, , potato pieces, turmeric powder and salt.

• Stir it constantly and cook for 10 minutes or till potatoes become tender.

• Its ready to serve

Ou Tenga Dhekia aru Maasor jool......( Fish sour curry cooked with elephant apple & edible Fiddlehead Ferns)

ঔ টেঙা-ঢেকীয়া  মাছৰ  আঞ্জা 

Ingredients:

• Fish- 200 grm (you can use any type of fresh water or river fishes....Here I have used Bhangon fish)
• Half Ou Tenga (elephant apple)
• Dhekia (Fiddlehead Fern) - 1-2 bunch 
• a pinch of turmeric powder
• salt to taste
• 1tsp Mustard oil
• 1/2 tsp mustard seed
• 1 whole green chilly
• 1 tsp rice flour

Method:

• Clean and wash the fishes carefully. In a big bowl add salt and turmeric powder in the fishes and rub it with your hand
• Heat mustard oil in a pan and fry the fishes for about 5-6 minutes. When it turns golden brown in color keep the fried fishes aside
• Wash the Dhekia xaak and chop the tender parts. keep aside
• Cut the Ou Tenga into medium pieces and boil in a pressure cooker adding some water and a pinch of salt to it (to reduce cooking time)
• In a pan, heat the mustard oil and add 1tbs mustard seeds, turmeric powder, chilly and salt .
• Add boiled Ou tenga pieces along with the boiled water
• If necessary add another glass of water and simmer for a minute.
• Mix the rice flour with a little water to make a light paste and add to the pan.
• Now add the dhekia xaak to the pan and cook for 5 minutes .
• In the boiling stew add the fried fishes and cook for another 10 minutes
• Finally, it is ready to enjoy the most popular Assamese sour curry with steamed rice......

Til dia pura Bengena Bilahi Pitika .... (Mashed fire grilled Aubergine & Tomato with sesame powder........)

তিল দিয়া বেঙেনা বিলাহী পিটিকা 

Method:

Fire grill 1-2 tomatoes and 1 medium size Aubergine

Now peel carefully & mash the tomatoes and Aubergine with 2tsp black sesame powder (first toast the seed then grind it) , chopped onions, green chilies, chopped ginger, coriander leaves, 1/2 tsp mustard oil and salt.

Your Til dia pura Bengena bilahi Pitika is ready to serve....(add few drops of mustard oil before serve)