Recipe of Mizoram’s Favourite Dish ‘Bai’ – Made With The Stalks Of Cauliflower

Have you heard of a dish called ‘Bai’? “Bai is a kind of soup that hails from the exotic state of Mizoram. The state boasts of a number of indigenous leafy greens, many of which are unheard of and several of these greens are used in preparing Bai. Whatever vegetables are in season, find their way into Bai. Commonly used ingredients in Mizo kitchens like the king chilly, fermented mustard, are also used in making this soup.

Today our friend Priya from Bangalore is going to show us her version of vegetarian Bai – made with stalks of Cauliflower. “If it is being served to non-vegetarians, pork sauce can be added. Bai is simple to prepare and very nutritious.” says Priya

Recipe of Mizoram’s favourite dish, “Bai” – made with stalks of Cauliflower | contributed by Priya Iyer

Cauliflower stalk bai – by Priya Iyer

Ingredients :

Water (5-6 cups)
Baking soda (1/2 tbsp)
Finely chopped cauliflower stalks + leaves + florets (2 cups)
Beans (5-6 finely chopped)
Potato (1) – peeled and finely chopped
Green chillies (4, slit length-wise)
Cooked rice (1/4 cup)
Salt to taste

Preparations :

Pour the water into a cooking pot. Place it on high heat and bring it to a boil.
Add salt to taste and baking soda, then mix well.
Add the chopped cauliflower stalks, florets and leaves, as well as the chopped beans and potato. Also, add the green chillies. Stir well.
Keep the pot covered and cook on a medium flame for about 15-20 minutes – until the vegetables get tender and not overly mushy.
Keep checking periodically, add more water if the mixture gets too thick and continue stirring.
Now, add the cooked rice and mix well.
Cook uncovered on a medium flame for a couple of minutes more.