Bengali mixed vegetable labra

Method

1. 1

   Wash and cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

2. 2

   Heat mustard oil in a wide pot; add panch phoron and let it crackle.

3. 3

   Add potato and sweet potato; stir-fry for 4 minutes, then add pumpkin and beans.

4. 4

   Add cabbage, ginger, turmeric and salt; stir thoroughly to coat with the spices.

5. 5

   Pour in water, cover and cook at medium-low heat for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice.

6. 6

   Uncover and cook until the vegetables are tender and most liquid has evaporated; fold in ghee.

The story behind the dish

Labra brings several vegetables together in a gently spiced dish often served with khichuri at puja bhog. Its exact mix changes with the season and the cook's kitchen.