SWANJHRO / SWANJHRE JI BHAJI / DRUMSTICK FLOWERS CURRY

 Drumsticks are used extensively in almost all the cuisines but seldom do we come across any dish made with the drumstick flowers. Swanjhre ji bhaji (drumstick flowers curry) is a delicacy and a speciality of the Sindhi Cuisine. These flowers are available mostly during winter season.
Swanjhre ji bhaji can be made plain or sometimes we add lotus stem, green peas or varyun (dried lentil dumplings) for a variation. These curries taste well with fulko or dodho (bhakris) Apart from making curries we also use them to make raita with crushed mustard seeds for the flavour.

Before we proceed to cook the Swanjhro the stems have to be discarded which a a bit tedious.. nevertheless it is worth the efforts. The flowers are then boiled  changing the water once to remove the bitterness. Drain them well and they are ready to be used.

You can store the boiled flowers for a couple of days in the refrigerator or freeze them in a zip lock bag for later use. You can also sun-dry them and store in a jar. The dried flowers are also available in the Sindhi grocery stores but the curry made with these does not taste as good as the one with fresh flowers.

Ingredients:
Swanjhro / drumstick flowers ... 400 gms
Daag / brown onion paste ......... 1/2 cup
Yogurt ............................... 2-3 tbsps
Turmeric powder ............ 1/4 tsp
Coriander powder ........... 1 tsp
Cumin powder .............. 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder ......... 1/2 tsp
Garam masala powder ... 1/2 tsp
Salt ............................ to taste
Vinegar .................. 1 tbsp (to add while boiling the flowers)
Oil ....................... 4 tbsps
Coriander leaves ... handful

How to make Daag / Brown Onion Paste :

Onions ........... 6-8 (sliced)
Tomatoes ...... 2 (chopped)
Green chillies ... 4-5 (chopped)
 Ginger paste .... 1 tbsp
Garlic paste ...... 2 tbsp
 Oil ...................... 6 -7 tbsp
Saute the onion until golden brown.
Add all the ingredients and water to cook.
Blend it with hand blender.

To make the Swanjhre ji Bhaji:

1. Boil water in a large pan adding salt and vinegar. Tip in the flowers.

2. Boil for 5 minutes.

3. Drain the water and repeat the process.

4. Boil again for a couple of minutes.

5. Drain them and set aside.

6.Heat the oil lightly in a pan. Add the mentioned spice powders except garam masala.

7.When they give out an aroma add the fried onion paste.

8.Add salt to taste.

9. Stir in the yogurt.

10. Mix well to avoid curdling.

11. Now add the boiled and drained flowers.

12. Saute for 4-5 minutes. Add the garam masala and simmer for few minutes until done.

13. Garnish with coriander leaves.

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