Bhatt Ki Churkani

About the Dish

Bhatt ki Churkani is a signature dish of Kumaon, made from black soybeans (Bhatt). It is traditionally cooked in an iron kadhai, which enriches the dish with iron and gives it a characteristic dark green/black color. It is best enjoyed with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Black Soybeans (Bhatt)
• 2 tbsp Wheat Flour (Atta)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 tsp Cumin seeds (Jeera)
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• Red chili powder to taste
• Salt to taste
• Ghee or Mustard Oil for cooking
• Fresh Coriander for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in an iron kadhai. Add the black soybeans (Bhatt) and fry them until they start crackling. Remove and keep aside.
2. In the same oil, add cumin seeds and chopped onion. Sauté until golden brown. Add ginger and garlic paste.
3. Add wheat flour and roast it with the onion mixture until it turns aromatic and slightly brown.
4. Add turmeric, coriander powder, and chili powder. Mix well.
5. Add the fried soybeans back into the kadhai. Pour in 3-4 cups of hot water slowly while stirring to avoid lumps.
6. Let it simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes until the gravy thickens and the beans are soft. The color will darken due to the iron vessel.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice.