Dhekia xaak bhaji (fiddlehead fern)
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The curled young fronds of the dhekia fern, stir-fried with garlic and chilli or cooked with potatoes.
Region: AssamOccasion: Spring and early monsoonTime: 25 minServes: 4Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups dhekia (fiddlehead fern) tips, cleaned and cut
- 1 potato, cut into thin strips (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 green chillies
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp mustard oil
- Salt to taste
Method
- Wash the fern tips well and rub off any brown scales.
- Heat the oil and fry the garlic and onion until soft.
- Add the potato and turmeric and fry until half cooked.
- Add the fern, chillies and salt and stir-fry for 6–8 minutes until tender. Serve with rice.
History
Dhekia grows wild along streams and wet field edges and is gathered when the new fronds appear.
Significance
Gathered wild greens are an important part of the Assamese diet, and dhekia is one of the most popular.