Fermented bamboo shoot and vegetable curry is a tangy favourite from North-East India that’s a must-try for anyone who likes experimenting with veggie-forward mains. It uses bamboo shoots, a star ingredient of North-Eastern cuisine, along with easily available vegetables to create an intensely flavourful curry that pairs well with steamed rice. However, you can also pair it with soft chapatis.
From everyday cooking to traditional tales and lush green hills, the bamboo shoot is omnipresent in North-East India. The fermented bamboo shoot, which makes a frequent appearance in many tribal dishes, has a unique, sour, and earthy taste. It’s known by different names—soibum in Manipur, khorisa in Assam, mesu in Sikkim—across the North-East, depending on the region.
The fermented bamboo shoot and vegetable curry has many variations. For example, in Manipur, the version often includes fish, while the Assamese version includes chicken. The recipe listed here, however, focuses on the bamboo shoots and vegetables, allowing the natural flavour to shine and intermingle into a complex and layered curry. It can serve as a pleasant change from the regular mains, especially if you’re new to North-Eastern cuisines. And if you’re familiar with the dish, it’s a simple recipe to follow, allowing you to recreate a classic at home.
Wash and chop all vegetables (potatoes, beans (if using), tomatoes) as specified. If the fermented bamboo shoot smells too strong, rinse it lightly and drain. Rinse the spinach 2–3 times in water, and then drain well. Excess water can dilute the curry. Roughly chop the spinach leaves.
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Step 2: Make the curry base
Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches the smoking point, then reduce the heat slightly. Add onion and sauté until lightly golden. Add ginger, garlic, and green chillies, cooking until aromatic and softened.
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Step 3: Add the bamboo shoot and vegetables
Add the fermented bamboo shoot and sauté for 2–3 minutes to mellow its sharpness. Add potatoes, beans (if using), and tomatoes. Stir well, then add turmeric and salt. Cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to lightly absorb the flavours.
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Step 4: Simmer the curry
Pour in water and bring to a boil. Cover and cook on low heat until the potatoes are tender and the curry develops a slightly tangy broth. Add spinach in the last, as it cooks very quickly. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes until the spinach wilts. Turn off the heat.
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Step 5: Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning, if required. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with steamed rice.
Fermented bamboo shoot has a pungent aroma with a sour, earthy, and slightly umami-rich taste. Its strong flavour mellows when cooked with spices and vegetables.
Rinse the bamboo shoots lightly or sauté them well in oil before cooking. This helps reduce the pungency while retaining their characteristic tangy flavour.
Yes, fermented bamboo shoots are rich in probiotics, fibre, and nutrients. They support digestion and gut health while adding a unique flavour to traditional dishes.
Yes, but fresh bamboo shoots lack the tangy flavour. You may need to boil and season them well to mimic the depth of fermented bamboo shoots.