Bitter Melon Vegetable Soup with Dal Badi DAL BADI SHUKTA

Ingredients

• 2 small green bitter melons (4 oz / 120g total) or 20 slices of dried bitter melon
• 0.5 tbsp (0.25 oz / 7g) plus 0.5 tsp (0.1 oz / 3g) salt
• 4 tbsp (2 oz / 60ml) ghee or vegetable oil
• 2 plum-sized dried urad dal badis (2 oz / 60g) cracked into lima-bean-sized bits, or 0.25 cup (0.9 oz / 25g) dried moong dal badis cracked into pea-sized bits
• 1 tsp (0.1 oz / 5g) cumin seeds
• 0.5 tsp (0.1 oz / 2g) black mustard seeds
• 0.25 tsp (0.05 oz / 1g) kalonji (nigella seeds)
• 0.25 tsp (0.05 oz / 1g) fennel seeds
• 1 cup (8 oz / 240g) plain yogurt, whisked until smooth, at room temperature
• 0.5 tsp (0.1 oz / 2g) turmeric
• 0.5 tbsp (0.2 oz / 7g) ground coriander
• 0.5 tsp (0.1 oz / 2g) garam masala
• 3 medium-sized waxy boiling potatoes (12 oz / 340g), peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
• 1 small butternut squash (12 oz / 340g), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
• 2.5 cups (20 oz / 600ml) water or unsalted vegetable stock
• 6 to 8 fresh curry leaves
• 1 cup (16 oz / 455g in shells) broad beans
• 20 spinach leaves, trimmed and washed
• Fresh coriander or parsley sprigs for garnishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. If using fresh bitter melons, cut 0.25 inch (6mm) off both ends, then slice the melon into 0.25 inch (6mm) thick rounds. Sprinkle 0.5 tsp (0.1 oz / 3g) of salt over the slices, toss, and let sit for at least 20 minutes before washing in fresh water, draining, and thoroughly patting dry.
2. Heat 4 tbsp (2 oz / 60ml) of ghee or oil in a 4-quart (4-liter) saucepan over moderate heat. Shallow-fry the fresh bitter melon rounds in a single layer until dark brown and crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. (If using dried bitter melon, simply drop them in and fry for about 30 seconds until crisp).
3. In the same hot oil, add the cracked dal badi bits (2 oz / 60g) and fry for 30 to 90 seconds until nicely browned, then remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Add 1 tsp (0.1 oz / 5g) cumin seeds, 0.5 tsp (0.1 oz / 2g) black mustard seeds, 0.25 tsp (0.05 oz / 1g) kalonji, and 0.25 tsp (0.05 oz / 1g) fennel seeds to the hot oil, frying until the mustard seeds crackle and turn gray.
5. Whisk 1 cup (8 oz / 240g) of plain yogurt into the pan, one spoonful at a time, ensuring each spoonful is fully absorbed into the hot ghee before adding the next to prevent curdling.
6. Stir in 0.5 tsp (0.1 oz / 2g) turmeric, 0.5 tbsp (0.2 oz / 7g) ground coriander, 0.5 tsp (0.1 oz / 2g) garam masala, the cubed potatoes (12 oz / 340g), and the cubed butternut squash (12 oz / 340g), and cook for about 5 minutes.
7. Pour in 2.5 cups (20 oz / 600ml) of water or stock, the fresh curry leaves, the fried dal badi, and the remaining 0.5 tbsp (0.25 oz / 7g) of salt.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover the saucepan tightly, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
9. Add 1 cup (16 oz / 455g) of broad beans to the pot and continue to simmer, covered, for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and squash are fork-tender.
10. Stir in the fried bitter melon and the spinach leaves during the last 5 minutes of cooking, then serve garnished with sprigs of fresh coriander or parsley.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Please note: This nutritional breakdown is an estimate based on 6 servings using whole milk yogurt and ghee. Values will vary depending on the specific brands and exact portions used.

• Calories: ~232 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~28 g
• Protein: ~7 g
• Fat: ~11 g

Chef's Pro Tips

1. Master the Yogurt Broth: The secret to a silky, un-curdled yogurt broth is temperature control and patience. Always use room temperature yogurt, and whisk it until entirely smooth before adding it to the pan. Add it exactly as written—one spoonful at a time—allowing each addition to emulsify into the hot ghee before adding the next.
2. Taming the Bitter Melon: Do not skip the salting, resting, and rinsing steps for the fresh bitter melon. This traditional technique uses osmosis to draw out the melon's most astringent juices, leaving a pleasant, earthy bitterness that perfectly balances the rich yogurt and sweet squash rather than overpowering the dish.
3. Watch the Badis Closely: Lentil dumplings (badis) can go from perfectly toasted to burnt and bitter in a matter of seconds. Stay right by the stove and keep a slotted spoon handy to remove them the moment they turn a deep, golden brown.
4. Adjusting Broth Thickness: If you prefer a thicker, more stew-like consistency rather than a delicate soup, simply take the back of your spoon and mash a few of the tender potato and butternut squash cubes against the side of your saucepan before serving. This releases natural starches that will beautifully thicken the broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What exactly does Dal Badi Shukta taste like? A: This Dal Badi Shukta offers a highly complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile! The reduced yogurt broth provides a delicate, pleasant tartness. This acidic base perfectly cuts through the savory, toasted notes of the lentil dumplings (badi) and the earthy bitterness of the fried melon, while the potatoes and butternut squash add a comforting, mild sweetness.

Q: Can I make this Dal Badi Shukta recipe vegan? A: Absolutely! To make a vegan version of this healthy bitter melon soup, simply swap out the ghee for an equal measure of vegetable oil (like avocado or sunflower oil). For the yogurt broth, substitute the dairy yogurt with a plain, unsweetened, and unflavored plant-based alternative, such as almond or soy yogurt.

Q: Where can I find urad dal badi or dried bitter melon? A: Dried lentil cakes (urad or moong dal badis) and dried bitter melon are pantry staples in Indian cuisine. You can easily find them at your local Indian or South Asian grocery store. Badis are sometimes kept in the refrigerated section like valuable grains, or you can find them in the dry spices aisle. Both can also be readily purchased online.

Q: Is Dal Badi Shukta served hot or cold? A: It is traditionally served hot or warmly heated. Because it is designed to stimulate the appetite, it is an excellent starter served in small custard cups for a large dinner, or ladled into roomy, warmed bowls as the focal point of a healthy vegetarian lunch.