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Ghugni

An authentic vegetarian recipe from West Bengal, India

Ghugni

Cook Time

30 mins

Servings

4 servings

Difficulty

Easy
🥗

Category

Vegetarian
#traditional#authentic#west-bengal
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Ingredients

For 4 servings

300g Dried yellow peas (matar)

200g Onions

150g Tomatoes

15g Ginger paste

10g Garlic paste

3piece Green chillies

25g Fresh coriander leaves

40ml Mustard oil

3g Turmeric powder

5g Red chilli powder

5g Cumin seeds

2piece Bay leaves

3g Garam masala powder

20ml Tamarind pulp

8g Salt

15 ingredients needed

💡 Pro Tip: Gather all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.

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Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this authentic dish

1

Soak the dried yellow peas overnight in plenty of water. Drain and pressure cook with salt and turmeric for 3–4 whistles until soft but not mushy. Set aside.

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2

Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it reaches smoking point, then reduce to medium. Add bay leaves and cumin seeds and let them splutter.

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3

Add finely chopped onions and fry until golden brown, about 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently.

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4

Add ginger paste and garlic paste, sauté for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

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5

Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and oil separates, about 5 minutes.

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6

Add turmeric powder and red chilli powder, stir well and cook for 1 minute.

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7

Add the boiled yellow peas along with any remaining cooking liquid. Mix thoroughly to coat the peas with the masala.

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8

Add tamarind pulp and slit green chillies. Stir and cook on medium heat for 8–10 minutes until the gravy thickens and flavors meld.

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9

Sprinkle garam masala, adjust salt, and cook for another 2 minutes.

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10

Garnish generously with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with puri, bread, or as a street-food snack topped with chopped onion and lemon juice.

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Chef's Tips

Mustard oil is essential for authentic Bengali flavor — don't substitute with refined oil.

Soaking the peas overnight ensures even cooking and prevents them from turning mushy.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and finely chopped raw onion on top just before serving elevates the dish significantly.

Ghugni tastes even better the next day as the peas absorb all the spices overnight.

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About This Dish

Ghugni is a traditional vegetarian dish from West Bengal, India. This authentic recipe provides exact measurements for cooking 4 servings.

- Mustard oil is essential for authentic Bengali flavor — don't substitute with refined oil. - Soaking the peas overnight ensures even cooking and prevents them from turning mushy. - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and finely chopped raw onion on top just before serving elevates the dish significantly. - Ghugni tastes even better the next day as the peas absorb all the spices overnight.

🥗

Category

Vegetarian

⏱️

Cook Time

30 mins

👥

Servings

4 servings

📊

Difficulty

Easy