Introduction
Ever have one of those evenings where the only thing you want to do is kick back, maybe binge a little something, and have a meal that feels like a cozy hug without making you live in the kitchen all night?
Enter Sweetcorn Shaak — the kind of vegan magic that’s as quick to whip up as it’s comforting to eat. It’s like your favorite plant-powered comfort food decided to throw a little spice party and invited sweetcorn as the VIP guest.
Trust me, this dish is the perfect sidekick for those busy weeknights when you want to eat well without staging a culinary marathon. Plus, it’s got that sneaky way of feeling special without needing a laundry list of fancy ingredients or hours of stirring.
Ingredients
- Rice – white or brown
- Less than 3/4 tablespoon of coconut oil (smooth operator)
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 fresh chilli (spice it up!)
- 1 teaspoon of Jiru/cumin seeds
- 1/2 a teaspoon of Rye/mustard seeds
- 2 sweet neem leaves
- A pinch of Hing/asafetida
- Sweetcorn – frozen or a 340g tin (golden kernels)
- 1 teaspoon of dried coriander powder
- Less than 1/4 of a teaspoon of turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Lemon juice
- 1 handful of freshly chopped coriander
This ingredient lineup is basically a veggie party with golden sweetcorn stealing the show!
Perfect for anyone who loves a little kick with their comfort food, this recipe brings together humble pantry staples and a pinch of spice to make your taste buds dance.
Who said plant-based had to be complicated? Just a handful of these, and you’re basically a kitchen wizard.
How to Make It
Making this Sweetcorn Shaak is like giving your kitchen a mini tropical vacation—minus the sandy toes but with all the flavor vibes.
Start by chopping up those 2 tomatoes and the fresh chili (if you’re feeling brave, leave some seeds in for that cheeky heat). Melt less than 3/4 tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan over medium heat, slap a lid on, and let it get all warm and cozy. Toss in a teaspoon of cumin seeds (Jiru) and half a teaspoon of mustard seeds (Rye)—they’ll start popping like they’re at a tiny party just for your taste buds.
Don’t forget the sweet neem leaves and a pinch of asafetida (Hing) to keep things interesting and add that classic Indian flair.
Once your spice party is crackling, chuck in the chopped tomatoes and chili, stirring like you mean it until the tomatoes soften into a saucy, fragrant mess. Now, it’s time for the star: a good helping of sweetcorn, either frozen or a 340g tin if you’re going the lazy route. Stir in a teaspoon of dried coriander powder and a shy quarter teaspoon of turmeric to add that golden glow.
Salt to taste, because even plants like a bit of seasoning. Let everything simmer gently so the flavors get to know each other, like old friends catching up over chai.
Meanwhile, don’t forget about your rice! Wash up a small teacup of your choice—brown or white—and add 2 and 3/4 teacups of water. Bring it to a frothy boil without the lid, then cover it up tight and turn the heat down low-low-low for about 20 minutes. If the rice is still sitting in water, give it another 5 minutes to soak up all the goodness.
When everything’s ready, squeeze a little lemon juice over the shaak and sprinkle a handful of fresh coriander on top. Serve your sweetcorn magic alongside the fluffy rice—voila! You’ve got yourself a plant-powered plate that’s cozy, colorful, and totally crave-worthy.
Bonus Tips
- Feeling fancy? Swap the plain rice for coconut-infused rice to double down on tropical vibes without leaving your kitchen.
- If your spice tolerance is “meh,” toss in a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist that says “I’m sophisticated but still chill.”
- Forget fresh coriander? No worries—dried works in a pinch, but if it’s missing, a squeeze of extra lemon juice will keep your taste buds dancing.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweetcorn Shaak is like your kitchen’s secret weapon: speedy, flavorful, and totally chill with whatever you toss in. It’s the kind of dish that winks at you while it simmers, proving plant-based meals don’t have to be fussy or preachy. Plus, it’s so flexible, you can jazz it up with whatever’s lurking in your veg drawer—no judgment here. Think of it as a cozy hug from your spice rack, with zero drama and all the yum.
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values.
Calories: 180
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 4 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs.
