Sajana Saga Bhaja (Drumstick Leaves Fry)

Sajana Saga Bhaja 2

Sajana Saga Bhaja is one of the odia Saga bhaja, that one can enjoy throughout the year. It is prepared with drumstick leaves simply or with some selected vegetables.

Sajana Saga Bhaja 1

Sajana Saga Bhaja is a traditional Odia dish. The dish is known for its simple and delicious taste that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. Its simplicity, combined with the burst of flavors, makes it a favorite among Odia households and a must-try for anyone looking to explore the culinary delights of Odisha.

This leafy fried dish can be prepared as it is or even with some chopped vegetables like lady’s finger, pumpkin, ridge gourd, etc. Here I have added lady’s finger (bhendi / bhindi).

Sajana Saga Bhaja 2

How can one make ‘Sajana Saga Bhaja’?

To prepare Sajana Saga Bhaja, the drumstick leaves are first separated from the stem and washed. Bhendi is cut into small pieces. A tempering is prepared with mustard oil, Pancha phutana, whole red chilies, finely chopped onion, and crushed garlic.

Next, the sliced bhindi and drumstick leaves are mixed and allowed to cook. And in a few minutes, the dish Sajana Saga Bhaja (Drumstick Leaves Fry) is ready!

It is often served alongside rice dal combo or pakhala. This leafy dish is a delightful Odia dish, although the leaves are available throughout the year, it tastes best during spring and summer time.

Event-related to this post :

The June month challenge in the ‘Shhhhh Cooking Secretly Challenge’ group was ‘Dairy’, suggested by Mayuri Patel. Well, I was partnered with Aruna for this theme, she gave me 2 secret ingredients Sugar and Custard Powder, and I gave her the secret ingredients Green chili and Cumin. And, as usual, using my two ingredients I have come up with this Mango Seviyan Custard for the theme contribution.

Sajana Saga Bhaja 1

Sajana Saga Bhaja (Drumstick Leaves Fry)

Sasmita
Sajana Saga Bhaja is one of the odia Saga bhaja, that one can enjoy throughout the year.
5 from 10 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Odia
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • cup Drumstick leaves (separated from stem and washed)
  • ½ cup Lady's finger (1/2 inch slices)
  • 3-4 no. Garlic clove
  • 1 no. Onion (chopped)
  • ½ tsp Pancha phutana
  • 1-2 no. Whole red chili
  • 1 tbsp Mustard oil
  • Salt as needed

Instructions
 

  • Heat mustard oil in a pan.
  • Add in whole red chili, panch phutana and allow to crackle.
  • Next add slightly crushed garlic cloves, chopped onions and saute till the aroma of garlic comes out.
  • Then add bhendi / bhindi slices and saute till well fried.
  • Now add drumstick leaves and saute a bit.
  • After that add salt and mix everything well.
  • Allow to cook over low – medium heat by covering the pan with a lid.
  • When the leaves become tender, then turn off heat.
  • Serve hot as a side dish with rice dal combo or pakhala !

Notes

  • The recipe can be doubled.
Keyword Odia Saga Bhaja, Odia Side Dish, Sajana Saga (drumstick leaves)

11 Comments

  1. Supriya Kutty

    I had never tried drumstick leaves before but it definitely tastes good. It’s healthy and bursting with flavour. It’s a fantastic source of nutrients.

  2. Mayuri Patel

    5 stars
    Sasmita love how green the bhaja looks. Such a simple and yet healthy and flavourful preparation. Would love it give it a try when I get some drumstick leaves.

  3. Priya Iyer

    5 stars
    This is a completely new way of cooking drumstick greens, for me. The addition of okra is interesting. Love the look of this bhaja – would love to dig in with some hot rice on the side. 🙂

  4. Seema Doraiswamy Sriram

    5 stars
    Firtsly, I love the name of this baja. The second moringa is my favourite leafy green so very happy to have another version to try than than poriyals.

  5. Archana

    5 stars
    I get drumstick leaves often. I love this delciious sajana saga bhaja. It is so easy and delicious. Thanks, Sasmita.

  6. Renu

    5 stars
    I like the addition of bhindi here along with drumstick leaves as it is not easy to eat and make greens in quantity. Bhindi will add a nice texture too.

  7. Priya vj

    5 stars
    Drumstick leaves are a powerhouse of nutrients . Now pairing it with bhindi and serving it alongside pakhala is simply a healthy meal choice .

  8. Narmadha T

    5 stars
    This is an interesting combo of drumstick leaves and okra. Simple ingredients but look so flavorful and delicious.

  9. Vasusvegkitchen

    5 stars
    Loved drumstick leaves and lady’s finger combination, bhaja looks very inviting. Never tried this combination will try this tasty recipe soon.

  10. Jayashree T Rao

    5 stars
    Interesting way to make a stir fry with drum stick leaves and okra. I must try this recipe, I often get drum stick leaves here.

  11. Radha

    5 stars
    This recipe with bhendi is new to me, it sounds delicious and I can’t wait to try it.

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Sasmita

Hey there !

Myself Sasmita, a techie turns to a food blogger which is reflected in this space.

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