Labra (লাবরা)

 **Labra** (লাবরা) is a traditional Bengali mixed vegetable curry often served with Bhoger Khichuri during festivals. It is a medley of seasonal vegetables cooked with mild spices and is known for its slightly sweet and earthy flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to make Labra at home.

### Ingredients:

- **Pumpkin (kabocha or regular)** – 1 cup, cubed

- **Potato** – 1 large, cubed

- **Sweet potato** – 1 small, cubed

- **Eggplant (brinjal)** – 1 medium, cubed

- **Radish** – ½ cup, sliced

- **Cabbage** – 1 cup, chopped

- **Green beans** – ½ cup, chopped

- **Cauliflower** – 1 cup, small florets

- **Ghee** – 2 tablespoons

- **Mustard oil** – 2 tablespoons

- **Panch phoron (Bengali five-spice mix)** – 1 teaspoon

- **Bay leaves** – 2

- **Dry red chilies** – 2

- **Ginger paste** – 1 tablespoon

- **Turmeric powder** – ½ teaspoon

- **Cumin powder** – 1 teaspoon

- **Coriander powder** – 1 teaspoon

- **Green chilies** – 2, slit

- **Salt** – to taste

- **Sugar** – 1 teaspoon (optional)

- **Water** – 1 cup

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

1. **Wash and chop** all the vegetables (pumpkin, potato, sweet potato, eggplant, radish, cabbage, green beans, and cauliflower) into similar-sized cubes. Set them aside.

#### Step 2: Tempering the Spices

2. **Heat mustard oil** and ghee in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat.

3. **Add panch phoron:** Once the oil is hot, add panch phoron, bay leaves, and dry red chilies. Sauté until the spices crackle and become fragrant.

#### Step 3: Cooking the Vegetables

4. **Add ginger paste:** Add the ginger paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell goes away.

5. **Add turmeric and cumin powder:** Mix in the turmeric powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds to combine the spices.

6. **Add vegetables:** Add the chopped vegetables, starting with the potatoes and harder vegetables, followed by the softer ones like eggplant and cabbage. Stir the vegetables well, coating them with the spices.

7. **Add salt and sugar:** Season with salt and sugar (if using). Stir everything together.

#### Step 4: Simmering

8. **Add water:** Pour in 1 cup of water, stir, and cover the pan. Let the vegetables cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until they become soft and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

9. **Add green chilies:** Once the vegetables are cooked, add the slit green chilies and gently mix them in.

#### Step 5: Finishing the Dish

10. **Check seasoning:** Adjust the salt and sweetness if needed. The vegetables should be soft, and the dish should have a slightly mushy consistency.

11. **Serve:** Remove from heat and serve the Labra warm.

### Serving Suggestions:

Labra is typically served with **Bhoger Khichuri** during pujas or special occasions, but it can also be enjoyed with steamed rice or roti.

Enjoy your comforting and wholesome **Labra**!