Sojne Data: 7 Bengali Dishes To Make Using Moringa

In Bengali cuisine, sojne data, or moringa, hold a special place due to its distinct taste and nutritional value. Starting from the starter to the main course, dishes made of sojne data never go out of trend from Bengali dining tables. This is also a cherished ingredient that adds a unique flavour to various Bengali dishes. Known for their rich content of vitamins and minerals, sojne data are celebrated for their health benefits, making them a preferred choice among health-conscious individuals. The fleshy drumsticks are versatile and can be used in numerous recipes.

Video Credit: The Food Way

Bengalis incorporate sojne data into their daily diet through a myriad of dishes. In Bengali kitchens, these drumsticks are a mainstay in both traditional stews and new twists on stir-fries. There is a light taste that goes well with other foods and uplifts the whole combination. 

Here are seven different Bengali dishes that you can make with sojne data that show how versatile and flavourful this simple ingredient is.

Bengali Dishes To Try With Moringa

This sojne data aloo tarkari is a classic Bengali dish that combines moringa with potatoes, brinjal, and runner beans in a richly flavoured curry. Tempered with panch phoron, a quintessential Bengali spice mix, and a dash of red pepper, this curry is best enjoyed with warm, steamed rice. The tender drumsticks absorb the spices, offering a comforting and aromatic meal.

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Sojne Data Chorchori (Moringa And Vegetables Stir-fry)

Sojne data chorchori is a delightful stir-fry that mixes drumsticks with vegetables like tender cauliflower leaves, sweet potato, brinjal, carrot, and radish. The Chorchori is seasoned with turmeric, red pepper, and panch phoron. This semi-dry stir-fry is perfect with rice or roti, delivering a hearty and nutritious meal.

This mildly sour and light panchmishali torkari is a perfect summer dish. Combining moringa with potatoes, pumpkin, brinjal, and tomatoes, this medley is tempered with mustard oil, red chillies, bay leaves, and kaalo jeere (nigella seeds). The subtle spices and the natural sweetness of the vegetables make this a refreshing and healthy choice.

As a traditional Bengali favourite, sojne data-r jhal features drumsticks cooked in a rich paste of mustard and poppy seeds. Potatoes and fried bori (sundried lentil dumplings) add texture and flavour. Tempered with nigella seeds and green chillies, this dish is a true delight when served with warm, steamed rice, offering an authentic taste of Bengali cuisine.

Sojne Aloo Posto (Moringa And Potatoes In Poppy Seed Paste)

Sojne aloo posto is a lip-smacking vegetarian dish where drumsticks and potatoes are cooked in a creamy poppy seed paste. The addition of kalonji (onion seeds) and green chillies enhances the flavour, making it a perfect accompaniment to moong dal and steamed rice. The poppy seed paste gives the dish a rich, nutty flavour that is simply irresistible.

Sojne Data Diye Shukto (Moringa In Mixed Vegetable Medley)

Shukto is a quintessential Bengali mixed vegetable dish known for its unique blend of sweet, bitter, and savoury flavours. Moringa, along with potatoes, sweet potato, bitter gourd, eggplant, and other vegetables, is cooked in a light, creamy gravy seasoned with panch phoron and milk. This dish is traditionally served as the first course in a Bengali meal, offering a medley of textures and tastes.

Sojne Data Diye Macher Jhol (Light Fish Curry With Moringa)

A light fish curry with Moringa, potatoes, and pointed gourd, sojne data diye macher jhol is perfect for a summer lunch. The curry is seasoned with ginger, cumin, and turmeric, providing a delicate and flavourful broth. The drumsticks and the fresh fish combine to create a wholesome and satisfying meal, best served with a wedge of lemon and steamed rice.

Sojne data, or moringa, is a versatile ingredient in Bengali cuisine. These seven dishes showcase their ability to blend seamlessly with various vegetables and spices, creating nutritious and delicious meals. Incorporating sojne data into daily meals not only enhances flavour but also provides numerous health benefits, making them an indispensable part of Bengali culinary traditions.