Shukto Recipe | Traditional Bengali Mixed Vegetable Curry

Ingredients

• 1 small bitter gourd (karela), sliced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 cup)
• 1 small potato, peeled and cut into wedges (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup green plantain, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup drumsticks (moringa pods), cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup ridge gourd, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup hyacinth beans (or green beans), trimmed and cut
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon panch phoron (Bengali five-spice blend)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard seeds (white or yellow)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground radhuni (or substitute with celery seeds)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)