This is one of the most nutritious leafy vegetables. Kolmi Shak is also known as river spinach or water spinach. It is a tropical plant that grows in India and people love eating it at the start of a meal.

The dish can be made in different ways; in this article, we will see how to make Kolmi Shak Bhaja in proper Bengali style. The recipe generally consists of shak, garlic, and chilis. It is then stir-fried until perfection and sprinkled with nutty poppy seeds. Kolmi Shak Bhaja is yummy with simple flavoring and texture.

The recipe can be made without any hassle. It needs few ingredients and consumes less to no time. Add it to your lunch, uplifting the nutrients in the meal as well as the flavor profile. Get your hands on the Kolmi Shak and start with the preparation.

Let us go through the list of ingredients and the process of making Kolmi Saak Bhaja at home.

Kolmi Saak Bhaja Recipe (Bengali Style Water Spinach)

Madhushree Dutta

Recipe for cooking tasty Kolmi Saak Bhaja at home. Simple ingredients and instructions to make Bengali-style Water Spinach stir-fry.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Bengali, Indian

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

1 Induction Cooktop
1 Kadhai

Ingredients

1 bunch Kalmi Shak or Water Spinach
2 Green Chilis
1 ½ Dry Red Chili
7 Cloves Garlic medium
½ tsp Kaalo Jeere or Nigella Seeds; you can also use Panch Phoron
1 tsp Posto or Poppy Seeds
Salt to taste
3 tsp Mustard Oil

Instructions

Prepare the Kalmi Saak

First, start by finely chopping the Kalmi Saak and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
Next, wash them thoroughly with water and strain the excess water. Keep them aside.

Prepare the Garlic and Chilis

Peel and chop the cloves of Garlic cloves. Slit the green chilis from the middle. Keep them aside.

Fry the Garlic and chilis

Now, take a kadhai or a pan and add mustard oil.
Let the oil heat until it smokes a little. Keep the flame on medium.
Spread the oil through the kadhai or pan and then add the kaalo jeere or nigella seeds (or paanch phoron if using).
Stir them and then add the dried red chilis (break them from the middle).
Stir them nicely until fragrant and to this, add the chopped garlic.
Fry the garlic until they turn golden brown. Keep the flame on medium.

Add the Kalmi Saak

Now, add the finely chopped kalmi shak or water spinach into the kadhai or pan.
Stir everything together. Keep the flame on low.
Cover the kadhai and let the shak cook.

Stir Fry Kalmi Saak

Stir occasionally so that they don’t stick at the bottom.
When the shak starts to release moisture, add salt to taste.
Combine all the ingredients and cover the kadhai again. Stir occasionally
When the shak is tender, remove the cover and add the slit green chilis.
Now, continue to stir. Keep the flame on medium.
Take a taste test.
Add salt if needed.

Add poppy seeds

When the shak starts to dry, sprinkle the poppy seeds.
Keep on stirring until the shake is almost dry.
When done, turn off the flame and transfer the Kolmi Shak Bhaja into a serving bowl.

Garnish (optional)

Garnish it by sprinkling a pinch or two of poppy seeds.

And that is it! The savory Kalmi Shak Bhaja is ready to be savored. Serve it with steamed rice to get the best of its flavors. It is a great start to a healthy lunch.

Make it during any day of the week or even when guests are coming over. Kolmi Shak is something that easily wins the heart with its taste, texture, and nutrients.

Eat Well!

Kolmi Saak Bhaja Recipe | Bengali Style Water Spinach Stir Fry