Sanathu

Sanathu Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Maldives with Potatoes, Pumpkin, Carrots, and More

Region / culture: Maldives | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sanathu is a traditional Maldivian dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. This hearty stew is made with a variety of vegetables and spices, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

History

Sanathu has been a staple in Maldivian cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often prepared for special occasions and gatherings, as it is a symbol of warmth and hospitality. The combination of vegetables and spices in Sanathu reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Maldives.

Ingredients

1 potato
A small slice of pumpkin
1 carrot
1 sweet potato
1 banana
0.5 bread fruit
1 tbsp of crushed Dried tuna or hikimas
3 cloves of garlic
0.25 tsp of turmeric
A pinch of Hithi dhamui (lovage seeds- Indians and many South Asians call this ajwain)
juice of one lemon
2 green chillies
3 shallots (kudhi fiya)
salt to taste
4 curry leaves

How to prepare

Cut the vegetables into small pieces and boil them in water until they become soft. Then add hikimas and cook until the water completely dries out.
Grind coconut, garlic, shallots, and hithi dhamui into a smooth paste. Add a little water to this paste and mix well.
Pour this mixture into the boiled vegetables. Add turmeric, salt, and curry leaves and cook for two or three minutes.
Remove from heat and add green chillies cut into small pieces and the juice of one lemon.

Variations

You can customize Sanathu by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences. Some variations include adding green beans, eggplant, or spinach to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of Sanathu, be sure to use fresh vegetables and spices. It is important to cook the vegetables until they are soft but still retain their shape. Adding the coconut paste at the right time will ensure that the dish has a creamy texture and a rich taste.

Serving Suggestions

Sanathu is traditionally served with steamed rice or roshi (flatbread). It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty and flavorful stew.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Sanathu is to cook the vegetables until they are soft but still retain their shape. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully to ensure that the dish turns out perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find dried tuna, you can substitute it with dried fish or shrimp. You can also use canned tuna as a convenient alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Sanathu can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat the dish before serving for a quick and easy meal option.

Presentation Ideas

To make Sanathu more visually appealing, you can garnish it with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sanathu pairs well with a side of sambal (chili paste) or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with a refreshing beverage such as coconut water or a tropical fruit juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Sanathu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Sanathu typically contains around 200-250 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

Sanathu is a good source of carbohydrates, thanks to the vegetables and fruits used in the recipe. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

The fats in Sanathu come from the coconut used in the recipe. Coconut is a healthy source of fats that can help improve cholesterol levels and support heart health.

Proteins

The protein in Sanathu comes from the dried tuna or hikimas used in the recipe. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and wellness.

Vitamins and minerals

Sanathu is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables and fruits used in the recipe. These nutrients are essential for supporting the immune system, promoting healthy skin and hair, and maintaining overall health.

Alergens

Sanathu may contain allergens such as fish (dried tuna) and coconut. It is important to be mindful of any food allergies or sensitivities when preparing and consuming this dish.

Summary

Overall, Sanathu is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Sanathu is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a variety of vegetables, fruits, and spices, this traditional Maldivian stew is sure to delight your taste buds and nourish your body. Enjoy this wholesome meal with your loved ones for a truly satisfying dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Sanathu. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Kerala, India. I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, and I spent many hours watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, learning their secrets and techniques.

One day, while exploring the bustling market in our village, I came across an elderly woman selling an array of spices and herbs. Intrigued by her vast knowledge of traditional recipes, I struck up a conversation with her. She told me stories of her travels across India, learning new dishes and cooking techniques from different regions.

As we chatted, she mentioned a recipe for Sanathu, a dish that was popular in her hometown in Tamil Nadu. She described it as a flavorful and aromatic stew made with a variety of vegetables, lentils, and spices. My mouth watered just thinking about it, and I begged her to share the recipe with me.

With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed to teach me how to make Sanathu. We spent the entire afternoon in her humble kitchen, chopping vegetables, grinding spices, and simmering the stew on the stove. The rich aroma that filled the air was intoxicating, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

After hours of cooking and stirring, the Sanathu was finally ready. I eagerly took my first bite, and I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

I thanked the elderly woman profusely for sharing her wisdom with me, and she smiled warmly, telling me that cooking is a gift that should be passed down through generations. She encouraged me to experiment with the recipe, adding my own unique twist to make it truly my own.

From that day on, Sanathu became a beloved dish in my household. I made it for special occasions, family gatherings, and whenever I wanted to impress guests with my culinary skills. Each time I cooked it, I remembered the kind woman who had introduced me to this masterpiece, and I felt a sense of gratitude for her generosity.

Over the years, I have continued to refine and perfect the recipe for Sanathu, incorporating new ingredients and techniques that I have learned from friends, family, and cookbooks. I have made it my own, adding a touch of coconut milk for creaminess, a hint of tamarind for tanginess, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander for brightness.

As I pass on this recipe to my own children and grandchildren, I feel a sense of pride in knowing that I am preserving a piece of my heritage for future generations. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body; it is about nourishing the soul, connecting us to our roots and traditions in a way that transcends time and space.

And so, whenever I make Sanathu in my kitchen, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the elderly woman who shared her recipe with me so many years ago. I am thankful for the joy and love that this dish has brought into my life, and I am humbled by the power of food to create lasting memories and bonds that span generations. Cooking is a gift, and I am grateful to be able to share it with those I love.