Soppin Khar – A Bamboo Shoot Khar Dish that is “Truly Assam”

Soppin khar is a traditional Bamboo Shoot Khar dish from Assam that is made from two of the most popular Assamese ingredients – bamboo shoots and khar. Bamboo Shoot is widely used in Assamese Dishes whereas Khar is an alkaline ingredient made from burnt banana skins or stem. This Bamboo Shoot Khar dish is known for its unique and distinctive taste. Here is a simple recipe for Bamboo Shoot and Khar “Soppin khar”:

bamboo shoot khar

Bamboo Shoot Khar (Soppin Khar)

Soppin khar is a traditional dish from Assam that is made with bamboo shoots and khar, which is an alkaline ingredient made from burnt banana tree trunks. The dish is known for its unique and distinctive taste. Here is a simple recipe for soppin khar:
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup bamboo shoots finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp khar
  • 2-3 green chilies slit
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • 1 tbsp mustard oil

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix the khar with 1/2 cup water and stir well until dissolved.
  • Heat the mustard oil in a pan and add the chopped onion and green chilies. Saute until the onion turns translucent.
  • Add the finely chopped bamboo shoots to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes.
  • Add the khar solution, turmeric powder, salt, and enough water to cover the bamboo shoots. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bamboo shoots are cooked through and the curry has thickened.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice.

Notes

Khar should be used sparingly, as it is a strong alkaline ingredient and can cause indigestion if consumed in large amounts. Bamboo shoots can also cause digestive issues in some people, so it’s best to start with small amounts and see how your body reacts.
Keyword Assamese Dish, Bamboo Shoot

Here is the approximate nutrition information for a serving of Bamboo Shoot soppin khar, based on the ingredients used in the recipe above:

  • Calories: 102
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 720mg

Note that these values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used in the recipe. Soppin khar is a relatively low-calorie and low-carbohydrate dish, but it is high in sodium due to the use of khar, which is a salty alkaline ingredient. It is also a good source of fiber and contains some healthy fats from the use of mustard oil.