PUI SHAAG CHINGRI / MALABAR SPINACH WITH SHRIMP

This Pui Shaag Chochori is very simple and can be cooked easilly. The scientific name of Pui Shaag is Basella alba, well known as Malabar spinach, red vine spinach, creeping or climbing spinach. It grows very fast. This is a typical but traditional dish of Bengal - a less spicy but titillating vegetable medley.

INGREDIENTS:
20 OZ Malabar Spinach / Pui Shaag
8 OZ Pumpkin, cut in medium cubes
2 Potatoes, cut in medium cubes
1 medium Eggplant, cut in medium cubes
1 Radish, cut in 1" long thin slices
8 OZ medium Shrimp (cleaned and washed)
1 tbsp Mustard paste
1 tsp Paach Phoron (mustard, cumin, nigella, fennel & fenugreek seeds)
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1/2 tsp Red Chilli powder
1 tsp Coriander powder
3-4 Green Chillies, cut in slits
1 tsp Sugar 
3 tbsps Mustard Oil
Salt to taste

METHOD:
Cut and clean the malabar spinach first. Cut leaves and finely chop them. Then cut the tender stalk in 1&1/2" length. Wash them in running water. Drain all the water from it. Keep aside.

Marinate shrimp with little turmeric powder, little red chilli powder and salt. Set aside for 30 minutes.

Heat oil in a wok. Add marinated shrimp in it. Fry both sides for 2 minutes. Remove shrimp from the wok by using a slotted spoon. Keep aside.

Add panch phoron in the same oil. When it starts to splutter, add potato, pumpkin, eggplant, radish and green chilli in it. Fold well. Cover and fry for 4-5 minutes on medium heat.  Now add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, sugar and salt in it. Saute for another 2 minutes.

Add malabar spinach in it. Mix nicely. Cover and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. At this time add fried shrimp and mustard paste in it. Fold well. Cover and cook on low heat till vegetables get tender. Remove from heat. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Serve hot, eat and get the taste of it with warm steamed rice.

TIPS: If you like to make this a vegetarian dish, just omit shrimp. It will be delectable
          one without shrimp also. 
          May add ridge gourd and arbi in this medley.