Geetha's Kitchen

Shukto Shukto is a delicious Bengali mixed vegetable stew served with rice typically at the beginning of the meal. When I made it first, it was so reminiscent of the South Indian Aviyal, we called it the Bengali Aviyal ! I have adapted the recipe to make it dairy, gluten, and any added oil/fat free since the traditional milk, flour, and added fats are eliminated. The addition of sugar also is not needed as the sweet potato adds enough sweetness to the dish; but if you wish, a date or a teaspoon or two of maple syrup/jaggery maybe added. I added a little bit of coconut (yes, it adds a bit of fat) and rice to make the Shukto creamy; it is absolutely fabulous! Although bitter melon is a traditional ingredient, it is an acquired taste; not even many Indian people like this bitter veggie! Besides, I did not have either fresh or frozen bitter melon or drumsticks. But even with all these omissions or perhaps because of them :D, the dish turned out quite delectable....