Sherva|Shorba Recipe

Veg Sherva (also known as Veg Shorba) is a spicy onion and tomato based gravy that is served as an accompaniment to Biryani and Pulao. I like to make it with Vegetarian Pulav, which is very mildly spiced and needs an accompaniment to liven it up. Of course, you could use Papad or Raita. However, sometimes you might crave something spicy to accompany the Veg Pulao and this where the the Veg Sherva help. It is very easy to make Veg Sherva and the ingredients are commonly found at home. You can make it plain as shown in this recipe or then add potatoes or chicken to it. I usually like Sherva with Pulao as I feel Biryani is already spicy and anyway, it is just too many tastes.

Ingredients

To Grind Together

• 1.5 Cups Finely Sliced Onions
• 3/4 Cup Finely Chopped Tomatoes
• 3 tbsp Desiccated Coconut
• 1 tsp Finely Chopped Green Chillies
• 3/4 tsp Grated Ginger
• 3/4 tsp Grated Garlic
• 10 to 12 Mint Leaves
• 2 tbsp Oil

Other Spices

• 2 Bay Leaf
• 1 Black Cardamon
• 3 Green Cardamom
• 1 tsp Shah Jeera
• 4 Cloves
• 1.5" Cinnamon Piece
• 2 Small Mace Pieces
• 1/2 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric
• 2 tbsp Oil
• Salt to Taste

Step by Steps

Step 1

Heat oil in a vessel, add the chopped onions and curry leaves and saute for 4 mins or till the onions turn transparent.

Step 2

Add ginger garlic paste and saute for 3 mts. Add the chilli pwd, turmeric pwd, coriander pwd and salt. Combine well.

Step 3

Add the quartered tomatoes and partially boiled and cubed potatoes and cook on medium heat for 5 mts. Reduce heat, add the ground paste and garam masala powder and combine.

Step 4

Add one and a half cups of water, adjust salt and cook covered on medium flame for 7-8 mts.

Step 5

Remove lid and simmer till you get the desired gravy consistency.

Step 6

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with hot rotis, coconut rice or any flavored rice.