Traditional Samay Baji: A Taste of Nepalese Cuisine

Ingredients

200 grams of Beaten rice (Chiura)
1 cup of Black soybeans (Bhatmas)
2 boiled Potatoes
100 grams of Buffalo meat (Sukuti)
2 tablespoons of Ginger garlic paste
4 Green chillies
1 tablespoon of Cumin powder
1 tablespoon of Coriander powder
1 teaspoon of Turmeric powder
1 tablespoon of Chili powder
1 tablespoon of Szechwan pepper (Timur)
2 tablespoons of Mustard oil
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon of Lemon juice
A handful of Fresh coriander leaves
2 Eggs

Steps and instructions

Soak the black soybeans (Bhatmas) overnight. After soaking, boil until they become soft.
Boil the potatoes until they are soft. Once cooled, peel and cut into small pieces.
Cut the buffalo meat (Sukuti) into small pieces and marinate with ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, Szechwan pepper (Timur), salt, and a tablespoon of mustard oil. Let the marinated meat rest for about 30 minutes.
Fry the marinated buffalo meat in a pan with a tablespoon of mustard oil until it turns golden brown.
Boil the eggs, peel them and cut into halves.
Arrange the beaten rice (Chiura) on a plate. Place boiled black soybeans, boiled and cut potatoes, fried buffalo meat, boiled eggs around the beaten rice. Garnish with chopped green chillies, a sprinkle of lemon juice, and fresh coriander leaves on top.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - For marinating the buffalo meat and mixing spices
Pan - For frying the buffalo meat
Plate - To arrange the samay baji for serving
Knife - For cutting the potatoes and buffalo meat
Cutting board - To provide a clean and sturdy surface for cutting ingredients
Spoon - For stirring and mixing ingredients
Measuring cups - To accurately measure ingredients
Tongs - For flipping and handling the buffalo meat during frying
Cooking oil - To fry the buffalo meat

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Variation: Replace buffalo meat with paneer or tofu for a meat-free option.
Chicken Variation: Substitute buffalo meat with boneless chicken pieces for a chicken samay baji.
Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of green chillies and chili powder for a spicier version.
Seafood Variation: Replace buffalo meat with shrimp or fish for a seafood twist.
Vegan Variation: Omit the eggs and use vegetable oil instead of mustard oil to make it vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free Variation: Use gluten-free beaten rice (chiura) and ensure all the ingredients used are gluten-free.
Healthy Variation: Steam or bake the potatoes instead of boiling them to reduce oil consumption.
Nutty Variation: Add roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture.

Recipe overview

Samay Baji is a traditional Nepalese dish typically served during festivals and special occasions. This meal is a delightful assortment of various components such as Chiura (beaten rice), Bhatmas (black soybeans), boiled potatoes, Sukuti (buffalo meat), boiled eggs, and a medley of spices. Each component is prepared separately and then combined to create a dish that is both flavorful and texturally interesting. It's a savory dish that offers a taste of Nepalese culture and tradition. The preparation involves marinating and frying meat, boiling soybeans and eggs, and arranging all the components beautifully on a plate. Despite the numerous steps, each one is quite simple, making Samay Baji a feasible and rewarding dish to prepare at home.

Common questions

Can I use white rice instead of beaten rice (chiura)?
No, beaten rice (chiura) is an essential ingredient in Samay Baji. It has a unique texture and flavor that cannot be replicated with white rice.
Can I substitute black soybeans with any other type of beans?
No, black soybeans are a key ingredient in Samay Baji and cannot be substituted with other types of beans. They have a distinct taste and texture that contribute to the authentic flavor of the dish.
Is buffalo meat (sukuti) necessary? Can I use chicken or other meat instead?
Buffalo meat (sukuti) is traditionally used in Samay Baji for its rich flavor and chewy texture. While you can experiment with other meats, using buffalo meat will give the dish a more authentic taste.
Can I skip the eggs in this recipe?
Yes, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the eggs. The dish will still be delicious and satisfying.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the marination ingredients for the buffalo meat.
Frying Pan - A pan to fry the marinated buffalo meat until golden brown.
Plate - A serving plate to arrange the Samay Baji with beaten rice, black soybeans, potatoes, buffalo meat, eggs, and garnishes.
Knife - A knife to cut the boiled potatoes and eggs into small pieces.
Spoon - A spoon to mix the marination ingredients and to serve the Samay Baji.

Origin stories

Samay Baji, a traditional Newari dish from Nepal, is more than just a meal - it's a cultural symbol. The Newars, one of the indigenous groups of Nepal, have a deep connection with food that's reflected in their intricate, flavorful dishes. Samay Baji is traditionally served during festivals and celebrations as it's considered a good luck charm. This dish, rich in variety and taste, represents the diversity of Newari culture itself. From the crunch of Chiura (beaten rice) to the tenderness of Sukuti (buffalo meat), every element of Samay Baji brings a unique flavor, making it a delightful gastronomic journey through the heart of Newari tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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