Sasmita Sajana Saga Bhaja is one of the odia Saga bhaja, that one can enjoy throughout the year. It is prepared with drumstick leaves simply or with some selected vegetables.
Sajana Saga Bhaja is a traditional Odia dish. The dish is known for its simple and delicious taste that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. Its simplicity, combined with the burst of flavors, makes it a favorite among Odia households and a must-try for anyone looking to explore the culinary delights of Odisha.
This leafy fried dish can be prepared as it is or even with some chopped vegetables like lady’s finger, pumpkin, ridge gourd, etc. Here I have added lady’s finger (bhendi / bhindi).
How can one make ‘Sajana Saga Bhaja’?
To prepare Sajana Saga Bhaja, the drumstick leaves are first separated from the stem and washed. Bhendi is cut into small pieces. A tempering is prepared with mustard oil, Pancha phutana, whole red chilies, finely chopped onion, and crushed garlic.
Next, the sliced bhindi and drumstick leaves are mixed and allowed to cook. And in a few minutes, the dish Sajana Saga Bhaja (Drumstick Leaves Fry) is ready!
It is often served alongside rice dal combo or pakhala. This leafy dish is a delightful Odia dish, although the leaves are available throughout the year, it tastes best during spring and summer time.
Event-related to this post :
The June month challenge in the ‘Shhhhh Cooking Secretly Challenge’ group was ‘Dairy’, suggested by Mayuri Patel. Well, I was partnered with Aruna for this theme, she gave me 2 secret ingredients Sugar and Custard Powder, and I gave her the secret ingredients Green chili and Cumin. And, as usual, using my two ingredients I have come up with this Mango Seviyan Custard for the theme contribution.
Sajana Saga Bhaja (Drumstick Leaves Fry)
Ingredients
- 1½ cup Drumstick leaves (separated from stem and washed)
- ½ cup Lady's finger (1/2 inch slices)
- 3-4 no. Garlic clove
- 1 no. Onion (chopped)
- ½ tsp Pancha phutana
- 1-2 no. Whole red chili
- 1 tbsp Mustard oil
- Salt as needed
Instructions
- Heat mustard oil in a pan.
- Add in whole red chili, panch phutana and allow to crackle.
- Next add slightly crushed garlic cloves, chopped onions and saute till the aroma of garlic comes out.
- Then add bhendi / bhindi slices and saute till well fried.
- Now add drumstick leaves and saute a bit.
- After that add salt and mix everything well.
- Allow to cook over low – medium heat by covering the pan with a lid.
- When the leaves become tender, then turn off heat.
- Serve hot as a side dish with rice dal combo or pakhala !
Notes
- The recipe can be doubled.
I had never tried drumstick leaves before but it definitely tastes good. It’s healthy and bursting with flavour. It’s a fantastic source of nutrients.
Sasmita love how green the bhaja looks. Such a simple and yet healthy and flavourful preparation. Would love it give it a try when I get some drumstick leaves.
This is a completely new way of cooking drumstick greens, for me. The addition of okra is interesting. Love the look of this bhaja – would love to dig in with some hot rice on the side. 🙂
Firtsly, I love the name of this baja. The second moringa is my favourite leafy green so very happy to have another version to try than than poriyals.
I get drumstick leaves often. I love this delciious sajana saga bhaja. It is so easy and delicious. Thanks, Sasmita.
I like the addition of bhindi here along with drumstick leaves as it is not easy to eat and make greens in quantity. Bhindi will add a nice texture too.
Drumstick leaves are a powerhouse of nutrients . Now pairing it with bhindi and serving it alongside pakhala is simply a healthy meal choice .
This is an interesting combo of drumstick leaves and okra. Simple ingredients but look so flavorful and delicious.
Loved drumstick leaves and lady’s finger combination, bhaja looks very inviting. Never tried this combination will try this tasty recipe soon.
Interesting way to make a stir fry with drum stick leaves and okra. I must try this recipe, I often get drum stick leaves here.
This recipe with bhendi is new to me, it sounds delicious and I can’t wait to try it.