Katoya Data Chorchori | Bengali Style Mix-veg with Drumsticks

A few days back while returning home from office I went to vegetable market like I do it regularly and found some fresh “Katoya Data”.  A type of drumstick, I, though, have had it several times in form of a Bengali style Chorchori but never made it. I didn’t even know the veggies I need to make the Katoya Data Chorchori. However, without any further delay, I called my mother to gather the details and the recipe. I thought it is better to share the conversation with my mother just the way it was. "Maa can you please let me know what else I need to purchase if I want to make Katoya Data Chorchori," I called and asked hurriedly to my problem solver! There was a pause and mom replied: “you mean you don't know how to make Katoya Data Chorchori!" "Well Momma, I had it several times but never made it and didn't find anything while searching the internet and you know". The lady didn't allow me to complete the sentence and asked: "Oh you want it for your blog". "Yes and no mom. I need it because I want to make it.  I want to record the recipe; after all, Katoya Data is a common veggie and Bengalis have had it regularly then why not to record a recipe". The lady probably found the answer satisfactory and kept on saying " you know you can make it both ways; either vegetarian or non-vegetarian. However, I am sharing the Vegetarian Katoya Data Chorchori recipe now and may the non-vegetarian one some other time". After this, Maa elaborated the recipe jointly with my Mamoni (auntie) who was there in Mom's room at that time. I, then, ended on making it after that following their recipe and suggestions.

Katoya Data is a type of fleshy Drumstick and quite common in West Bengal however, I was not able to fetch the exact English name for this particular variety. I have had it several times especially during summers and Chorchori is a typical, traditional Bengali Mishmash or better to say mixed-veg side. In general, we use green veggies like Spinach along with Potato, Aubergine, Drumstick, Radish etc to make Chorchori however, according to my mother, the Drumstick Chorchori ( Katoya Data Chorchori) is a bit different given at least in my place, they add Snake Gourd or "Chichinge" while making the Chorchori. Tempered with Bengali five spices or Panch Phoron and a balanced flavor of sweet-salt and hotness and a bit mushy texture and you are done. Rest you need a spoonful of steamed rice and a bowl full of Daal, preferably Bengali Moong Daal. For me, Katoya Data Chorchori is a comfort food and I don't prefer to fry vegetables separately instead I choose to sauté veggies in little oil. You can opt for whatever you feel like. Print I have mentioned my Mom several times here on Debjanir Rannaghar but probably didn't share a pictorial moment with her and here's one with her and with the little lady who calls me Mom!

Few More Vegetarian Recipes from Debjanir Rannaghar apart from Katoya Data Chorchori:

Do try the Lau Chingri or Kumro Phuler Bora  or Lau ar Aloo er Khosa Bhaja or Narkel diye Niramish Ghugni or Laal Shag Bhaja in case you liked the Katoya Data recipe.