Bengali · serves 2

Labra

Five vegetables in one pot with panch phoron. Bengali food for using things up.

35 min Easy Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 5 cups mixed vegetables (pumpkin, potato, lauki, brinjal, beans, spinach)
  • 1 tbsp panch phoron
  • 2 dried red chillies
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp ginger paste
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp ghee
  • 3 tbsp mustard oil

Method

  1. Mustard oil till it smokes, then panch phoron, red chillies and bay leaves.
  2. Hard vegetables first — potato and pumpkin — 5 minutes.
  3. Everything else with ginger paste, turmeric, salt and sugar.
  4. Cover, low heat, 20 minutes. Add no water; the vegetables release plenty.
  5. Mash lightly against the side of the pot so it goes soft and jumbled. That's the texture you want.
  6. Ghee off the heat. Khichuri or rice.

Questions people ask about Labra

How long does Labra take?

About 35 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is straightforward. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What can I use instead of potato in Labra?

Use waxy potatoes hold their shape, floury ones fall apart. For curries you want waxy.

Can I make Labra ahead of time?

Yes, and it is better for it. Cool it fully, refrigerate for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water. The flavours settle overnight.

Is Labra vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

What do you serve with Labra?

Khichuri or rice. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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