Saga Muga, also known as mixed vegetable curry with moong dal, is a traditional dish offered to Lord Jagannath as part of Mahaprasad. This recipe combines moong dal with a variety of vegetables such as yam, raw banana, taro root, sweet pumpkin, parval, brinjal, sweet potatoes, and amaranth leaves. The vegetables are boiled and then simmered with a spice paste made from coriander seeds, peppercorns, and cumin seeds. Shredded coconut is added for flavor, and the dish is finished with a seasoned ghee topping. Serve with rice for a hearty meal.
Saga Muga Mahaprsad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Moong dal
- Assorted Vegetables (chopped yam, raw banana, taro root, sweet pumpkin, parval, brinjal, sweet potatoes, koshala leaves)
- 1 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Roasted coriander seeds
- 7-8 Roasted peppercorns
- 1/4 cup Shredded coconut
- Rock salt (to taste)
- Hing (asafoetida)
- 3 tsp 3 tsp Ghee
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop all the assorted vegetables into small pieces.
- Boil some water in a pot and add the chopped vegetables. Let them cook on medium flame until tender. When Vegetables are semi cooked add add koshala leaves.
- Add Mashed Taroo Root
Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Soak coriander seeds, peppercorns, and cumin seeds in water for a while.
- Grind the soaked seeds into a fine paste.
Cooking the Curry:
- Add boiled moong dal to the pot.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the ground spice paste to the pot.
- Season with salt according to taste.
- Bring everything to a boil on low-medium flame.
Add Coconut:
- Once the curry is cooked, add shredded coconut to it and mix well.
Prepare Seasoning:
- In a separate small pan, heat ghee.
- Add mustard seeds to the hot ghee and let them splutter.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida to the ghee and mustard seeds.
Serve:
- Pour the prepared seasoning over the curry.
- Optionally, you can add fried Nodi Badi before serving.
- Saga Muga is now ready to be served.
- This dish pairs well with ghee rice or plain rice. Enjoy your delicious Saga Muga!
Notes
- Moong dal (1/2 cup): 104 calories
- Assorted vegetables (1 cup, mixed): Approximately 50-100 calories (varies depending on the types and quantities of vegetables used)
- Shredded coconut (1/4 cup): Approximately 90 calories
- Ghee (3 tsp): Approximately 135 calories
Saga Muga, a cherished dish in Odia cuisine and an offering to Lord Jagannath, is a delectable blend of moong dal and assorted vegetables simmered in a fragrant, spice-infused broth. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also provides a wholesome meal. Whether enjoyed with ghee rice or plain rice, Saga Muga brings joy to the dining table, celebrating the vibrant culinary heritage of Odisha.
