Shalgham Bata {Afghan Turnip with sticky Rice}

turnips

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: carrots

Sweet potatoes add sweetness and nutrition.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers healthier fats.

fresh cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Parsley provides similar flavor with lower cost.

green chilies

🥗Healthier: bell peppers

💰Cheaper: jalapeños

Bell peppers add sweetness without heat.

Soak 2 cups of sticky rice for about an hour.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot.

Add the soaked sticky rice to the boiling water and cook until halfway done.

Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the rice, mix well, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes.

In a pressure cooker, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over high heat.

Add 1 large chopped onion and sauté until browned.

Add 0.5 pounds of veal and stir for about 2 minutes with the onions.

Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and jalapenos (if using).

Add chopped turnips to the mixture.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste.

Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt, mixing well.

Pour in 0.5 cups of water and cover the pressure cooker.

Pressure cook for 12-20 minutes on medium heat until the turnips are tender.

If there's too much liquid, bring to a boil on high heat to absorb excess liquid.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: