BHAJJI KI MINI PIE

  Well, what can I say about this cheesy n soft (vegetable) bhaji stuffed pies??  They are a divine fusion of Indian chaat with England-based dessert.  Since bhaji goes excellent with pav, their combo with buttery pie crust was good too :)  I made them when I desperately needed a savory snack. I am always a savory lover...  so when this 'fusion' idea struck me, I no longer resisted myself to bake :)   Yes, I don't know why baking is very mesmerizing and these days I am getting bakeaholic :D  :D

When it came for filling, I needed them a bit cheesy with  a different seasoning.  So, I went for oregano with mozzarella combination.  You can use any dry herbs seasoning (or replace them with a couple of fresh herbs and chili flakes you have).  If you want a classic 'cheesy' look, you can replace quarter cup of cheese to almost 1 cup.  (Trust this one, you will get a 'classic temptation')  These pies are better had straight from the oven, piping hot.  :D  :D So, with freezing climate here, they were a 'pleasure to intake' :D  :D

I got a lot of credits when I shared this pie with my neighbor :D :D  She especially appreciated the filling.  This has given me a lot of confidence, yes I am going to try this filling with more of savory types.  On the other hand, I had to admit that making these pies were a bit time-consuming.  It is best to prepare the dough before a  day and refrigerate them if you are in short of time. 

Kichi bhajji

Kichi bhajji  is one of our authentic dish prepared during Sankranti/Pongal.  We accompany this with Bhakri, or dhapaatya.   This healthy finger-licking gravy is an composition of spinach, veggies, and all sorts of dry pulses like chana, double beans, soya, green peas etc.

 I still remember in my childhood days, where my granny used to prepare it in large vessel and she used to store it for about ten days without even  refrigerating it.  And the best part of kichi bhajji is that the taste gets better day by day, after everytime it is heated.  Though i made it in large quantity for this pongal, bhajji got over by the end of third day.. such is its excellance.... I wish I had prepared more and had it now  .... :(  :(

Preparation time mostly takes an hour, and back at home, I chopped  all vegetables previous day,  to make my tomorrow's work little easier.  Cooking time would be some three to four hours.  

Ingredients required

Pressure cooking part one (Combine spinach with imli, green chilly  and pressure cook for one whistle, keep aside)

• 2 bunches of palak spinach, cleaned and finely chopped 
• 2 bunches of amaranthas leaves/molai keera, cleaned and finely chopped
• 2 bunches of small methi leaves, cleaned and finely chopped
• 2-3 slit green chillies
• one cup of water
• 4 tsp of thick tamarind extract

Pressure cooking part two (Combine chopped vegetables with 11/2 cup of water and pressure cook for one whistle, keep aside)

• 100 gm of cauliflower
• 100 gm of carrot
• 100 gm of beans
• 100 gm of raddish
• 100 gm of potato
• 100 gm of capsicum
• 50 gm of cabbage

Authentic Sindhi Sai Bhaji Recipe | Healthy Spinach and Lentil Curry

Sai Bhaji is one of the most beloved dishes from Sindhi cuisine. The word "Sai" means green and "Bhaji" means vegetables. This wholesome one-pot meal combines fresh leafy greens, lentils, and a variety of vegetables into a nutritious and delicious dish.

Ever since I started making this Sai Bhaji at home, it has become a family favorite. Even my husband, who is usually a picky eater, asks for it almost every week! Packed with the goodness of spinach, lentils, and vegetables, this recipe is proof that healthy food can be incredibly tasty.

The best part is its versatility. You can customize the vegetables based on what you have in your refrigerator, making it an excellent recipe for using up leftover vegetables. Traditionally, Sai Bhaji is served with steamed rice, but it also tastes wonderful with roti, paratha, dosa, or even plain bread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Rich in protein and fiber
✔ Loaded with vitamins and minerals
✔ One-pot healthy meal
✔ Kid-friendly and family-friendly
✔ Perfect for meal prep
✔ Naturally vegetarian and nutritious

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Serves

4

Ingredients

To Be Pressure Cooked

• 2 cups finely chopped spinach (palak)
• ¾ cup chana dal, soaked for 2 hours
• 4 tsp finely chopped onions
• ½ cup finely chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ cup finely chopped carrot
• ½ cup finely chopped beans
• ¾ cup cauliflower florets
• ½ cup finely chopped radish
• 1 tsp garam masala (optional)
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 cup water

For Tempering

• 3 tsp oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds (rai)
• ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 6–7 curry leaves
• 2–3 dried red chillies, broken
• 4–5 garlic cloves, crushed

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients listed under "To Be Pressure Cooked" in a pressure cooker.
2. Add water and cook for 2 whistles.
3. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
4. Lightly mash the cooked mixture to achieve a thick consistency.
5. Heat oil in a small pan.
6. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
7. Once they splutter, add curry leaves, red chillies, and crushed garlic.
8. Sauté until fragrant.
9. Pour the tempering over the cooked Sai Bhaji and mix well.
10. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, paratha, or dosa.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed rice
• Phulka or chapati
• Paratha
• Dosa
• Multigrain roti

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Sindhi goodness with your family!