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.

Katoya Data Chorchori

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Bengali Style Mix-veg with Drumsticks or Katoya Data Chorchori is a summer special Bengali vegetarian delicacy well served with steamed rice and Daal

• Author: Debjani
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 People 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Cuisine: Bengali

Ingredients

Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

• Katoya Data (Drumstick): 4-5 sticks
• Potato: 2
• Aubergine/ Eggplant: 1
• Snake Gourd/ Chichinge/ Tori: 2
• Pumpkin: 250g
• Lentil Dumpling/ Bori/ Wadi: 10-15 (optional)
• Five Spices/ Panch Phoron: 1 Tsp.
• Green Chili: 1-2
• Dry Red Chili: 1
• Turmeric Powder: 1 Tsp.
• Red Chili Powder: 1 Tsp.
• Sugar: 1 Tbsp.
• Salt: to taste
• Mustard Oil: 3 Tbsp.

Instructions

1. [url href="https://kitchenofdebjani.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Edited-2-1.jpg.webp"][/url]
2. Wash veggies thoroughly and cut Potato and Pumpkin into small cubes after peeling the skin, and the same sized cube of Aubergine but with the skin on.
3. Remove the leaves from the Drumsticks or Katoya Data and cut into 2" long strips and after peeling the skin cut the Snake Gourd into square pieces.
4. Now heat ½ Tbsp. Mustard Oil in a deep bottom pan.
5. Fry "Bori" or lentil dumplings till those turn light brown in color. Strain from oil and keep aside.
6. Add remaining Oil to the pan and heat it properly.
7. Temper the Oil with Bengali Five Spices or Panch Phoron and dry Red Chili.
8. Add cubed Potatoes and fry till the potatoes soften a bit and add Pumpkin, Drumsticks, Snake Gourd, Aubergine and Green Chili one by one.
9. Sauté the veggies on low flame for 5-7 minutes.
10. Now add Turmeric Powder, Red Chili Powder, Sugar, and Salt and mix properly.
11. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low flame for 10 minutes.
12. Stir in between to avoid sticking to the veggies at the bottom of the pan.
13. No need of adding water, the veggies will be cooked in own water.
14. Cook till all the veggies soften and turned a bit mushy (with the drumsticks intact).
15. Add fried Bori to the Chorchori and lightly fold and switch the flame off after one minute of cooking. (optional)
16. Serve Katoya Data Chorchori with Steamed Rice, and a Bowl full or Daal.

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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.