Ghugni
An authentic vegetarian recipe from West Bengal, India
Cook Time
30 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
EasyCategory
VegetarianIngredients
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.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this authentic dish
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.
Click to mark as complete
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.
Click to mark as complete
Add finely chopped onions and fry until golden brown, about 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Click to mark as complete
Add ginger paste and garlic paste, sauté for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Click to mark as complete
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and oil separates, about 5 minutes.
Click to mark as complete
Add turmeric powder and red chilli powder, stir well and cook for 1 minute.
Click to mark as complete
Add the boiled yellow peas along with any remaining cooking liquid. Mix thoroughly to coat the peas with the masala.
Click to mark as complete
Add tamarind pulp and slit green chillies. Stir and cook on medium heat for 8–10 minutes until the gravy thickens and flavors meld.
Click to mark as complete
Sprinkle garam masala, adjust salt, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Click to mark as complete
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.
Click to mark as complete
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.
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