State: Tripura
Dish: Kosoi Bwtwi (Green Beans & Garlic Curry)
From south India, we are moving all the way to northeastern state of Tripura. Tripura is one of the seven sister states in North Eastern India. Indigenous communities forma about 30% of Tripura's population. The Kokborok-speaking Tirupuri people are the major group among 19 tribes and many sub-tribes.
Because of its geographical location, Tripura only has one major highway, National Highway 44, connecting it with the rest of the country. This is the reason for the hindered economic progress in the state. Poverty and unemployment continue to plague Tripura, which has a limited infrastructure.
Cuisine: Tripuris (people of Tripura) are essentially non-vegetarians and hence the main courses are mainly prepared using meat, but with the addition of vegetables. Traditional Tripuri cuisine is known as Mui Borok. Key ingredient called Berma, which is dried and fermented fish is used in most of their dishes. Food is prepared without oil and hence considered healthy.
Today's Dish: I found the recipe for green beans dry curry, kosoi bwtwi, on Tripura Society site. It is such a simple dish and had berma in it. From what I've read about berma, it is not very pleasant to taste, but when cooked its flavor is mouthwatering and appetizing to Tripuri people. I couldn't think of any vegetarian substitute to this ingredient, so simply left it out and proceeded with the recipe.
Most of the recipes for the northeastern states available online are incomplete without no clear instructions. Even this recipe I found was incomplete with the instructions not including some of the ingredients listed. So I took some liberty and made the dish in my own style.
Recipe adapted from Tripura Society:
Ingredients:
Green Beans - 2cups, chopped into 1" piecesGreen chilies - 2~3, finely chopped
Onion - 1 medium, thinly sliced
Garlic - 3 cloves, chopped
Turmeric - ¼tsp
Salt - to taste
Method:
- Heat 1tsp oil in a pan; add the onions and garlic. Cook for 3~4 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Next add the green chili, green beans and turmeric. Mix well and add 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat and simmer till the beans are tender.
Lets check out what my fellow marathoners have cooked today for BM# 39.
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