Pui Shaak, also known as Malabar Spinach, is a beloved leafy green in Bengali cuisine, especially cherished during the monsoon season. It is a seasonal favourite because of its vivid, luscious leaves, which are frequently seen in marketplaces. Pui Shaak adds a pleasant flavour to various recipes with its distinct taste and texture. It's a mainstay in many Bengali homes because it mixes with other foods.
Cooking with Pui Shaak is simple and rewarding. This tropical plant cooks quickly, reducing in volume similar to regular spinach. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, Pui Shaak dishes are easy to prepare and full of flavour.
7 Bengali Dishes With Pui Shaak/Malabar Spinach
Image credit: YouTube | scroll recipe
1. Pui Shaaker Chorchori
Pui Shaaker Chorchori is a hearty vegetable medley featuring Malabar Spinach. This dish combines the leaves and tender shoots of Pui Shaak with seasonal vegetables like brinjal, pumpkin, and potatoes. The addition of urad dal vadis (fried lentil dumplings) enhances the texture and flavour. Tempered with panchphoron (a mix of five spices) and dried red chillies, this dish is further flavoured with freshly grated ginger. The result is a rich, aromatic vegetable stew that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Image credit: Instagram | shabarikitchen
2. Pui Shaak Kumro Chingri
A delicious dish called Pui Shaak Kumro Chingri is made with Malabar spinach, pumpkin, and prawns. To begin, sauté the chopped pumpkin and cooked potatoes until golden. Small prawns are then fried with turmeric and salt. The spinach leaves and stems are added to the sautéed garlic and onions, along with spices like coriander and cumin powder. The fried prawns are mixed in towards the end, creating a mouth-watering dish that's best enjoyed with rice.
Image credit: Instagram | smritis_kitchen7
3. Pui Shaak Er Ghonto
Pui Shaak er Ghonto is a dry curry that brings together Malabar Spinach, potatoes, pumpkin, and eggplant. The dish begins with frying eggplant cubes until golden brown. Panch phoron, bay leaves, and dried red chilies are then sputtered in hot oil before adding the other vegetables. The chopped spinach is added last, cooking until wilted. The final touch of roasted panch phoron and a bit of ghee adds depth to this comforting dish, best served with Basmati rice.
Image credit: YouTube | Playful Cooking
4. Pui Shaak Stir Fry
Pui Shaak Stir Fry is a simple yet flavourful dish that highlights the natural taste of Malabar Spinach. The dish uses both the stems and leaves of the spinach. The stems are first sautéed with garlic and onions until soft, then the leaves are added. The spinach is cooked until wilted and the flavours meld together. This stir fry can be served as a side dish with rice or flatbread, offering a healthy and delicious meal.
Image credit: YouTube | Shanta's Happy Kitchen
5. Pui Shaak Diye Masoor Dal
Pui Shaak diye Masoor Dal is a comforting lentil soup made with red lentils and Malabar Spinach. The dish starts by frying onions, tomatoes, and garlic in mustard oil. The lentils and spinach are then added, along with water and salt, and cooked under pressure until tender. A final touch of mustard oil is added before serving, making this dal rich and satisfying. It’s a perfect meal to enjoy with rice on a rainy day.
6. Pui Shaak Er Daatar Jhal
Pui Shaak er Daatar Jhal is a spicy and tangy dish featuring the stems and leaves of Malabar Spinach. The stems and leaves are cooked with mustard paste, nigella seeds, and green chilies in mustard oil. The dish is finished with a squeeze of lemon juice, giving it a refreshing tang. This dish is a great accompaniment to rice, offering a burst of flavour in every bite.
Image credit: YouTube | Cooking Desii
7. Pui Shaak And Kumro Chechki
Pui Shaak and Kumro Chechki is a traditional Bengali dish that combines Malabar Spinach with squash. The squash is first sautéed with panch phoron, red chilies, and asafoetida until slightly browned. The spinach is then added and cooked until tender. This dish has a slightly sweet taste, making it a perfect lunch dish served with dal and rice. It’s a simple yet delightful way to enjoy the goodness of Pui Shaak.