Samay Baji: A Traditional Newari Feast

Samay Baji is a beloved Newari dish, traditionally enjoyed during festive seasons like Dashain and Jatras. This flavorful platter features a variety of side dishes paired with chiura (beaten rice). Here’s how to prepare this festive feast at home.

Ingredients

Bhuti (Black-Eyed Peas Curry)

• 300 grams dried black-eyed peas (soaked overnight to yield approximately one large bowl)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (mustard oil is preferred)

Bhatmaas (Brown or Black Soybeans)

• 300 grams brown or black soybean seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (mustard oil is preferred)

Wuaucha or Saag (American Spinach)

• 2 bunches of spinach
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

Khen (Fried Boiled Eggs)

• 1 egg per serving
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/3 teaspoon turmeric powder
• A pinch of salt and cumin powder

Instructions

Bhuti (Black-Eyed Peas Curry)

1. Soak the black-eyed peas overnight in water. Drain and boil until tender.
2. Heat olive oil (or mustard oil) in a pan and add turmeric powder.
3. Add the boiled black-eyed peas to the pan and sauté.
4. Mix in cumin powder, salt, and red chili powder. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes.

Bhatmaas (Brown or Black Soybeans)

1. Toast the soybeans in oil until their shells start to pop.
2. Transfer the toasted soybeans to a bowl.
3. Add sliced garlic, ginger, salt, cumin powder, red chili powder, and oil. Mix thoroughly and serve.

Wuaucha or Saag (American Spinach)

1. Boil the spinach in water for about 10 minutes.
2. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
3. Transfer spinach to a bowl, and mix in oil, salt, red chili powder, and cumin powder.

Khen (Fried Boiled Eggs)

1. Boil the eggs until hard.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add turmeric powder.
3. Peel and fry the boiled eggs in the pan. Sprinkle with salt and cumin powder.

Serve these delightful dishes with chiura to create an authentic Newari feast. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this traditional platter that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions.