Kwati is a traditional Nepalese dish made from a mixture of nine different types of sprouted beans. It is usually consumed with the festival of Janai Purnima and is considered to be both nutritious and delicious. Here is a recipe for making Kwati:
Ingredients:
- Mixed Beans, Kwati mix: 2 cups, A mixture of black gram, green gram, chickpeas, field beans, kidney beans, cowpeas, soya beans, field peas, and mung beans
- Ghee or Oil: 2-3 tablespoons
- Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder ½ teaspoon Red chili powder ½ teaspoon (optional) Ginger paste 1 tablespoon Garlic paste 1 tablespoon Onion 1 medium, finely chopped Tomatoes 2 medium, finely chopped Salt to taste Cumin powder 1 teaspoon Coriander powder 1 teaspoon Garam masala ½ teaspoon Bay leaves 2 Cloves 3-4 Cinnamon stick 1 small piece Fresh cilantro for garnish Instructions Soak the Beans:
- Rinse the beans well and soak them overnight, or at least for 8-10 hours.
- After soaking, drain the water and allow the beans to sprout. This might take another 2-3 days depending on the climate.
Boil the Beans:
- After the beans have sprouted, rinse them again.
- Add the beans in the pressure cooker with enough water, about 4-5 cups, and add a pinch of turmeric.
- Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the beans are soft and tender. Keep it aside.
Prepare the Tempering:
- Heat ghee or oil in a large pan or pot. Add cumin seeds and fenugreek seeds. Let them splutter. Add bay leaves, cloves, and the cinnamon stick. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Add the ginger and garlic paste, and cook till the raw smell disappears. Add chopped tomatoes and cook them until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate.
- Now add the turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Mix well. Add Beans to the Tempering: Add the boiled beans along with the water used for cooking to the pot. Now add salt to taste and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes so that all the flavours mix well. Finish Touches: Add garam masala and mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Garnish and Serve:
- Switch off the heat and top it with chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with rice or roti or have it as a hearty soup.
Kwati is a delicacy but more than that, it is an embodiment of good health and prosperity.