Shepu Bhaji – Calories and Nutrition, Recipe

| Ingredient | Amount | Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Sat Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) |
| Dill (Shepu) | 100 g | 43 | 7 | 3.5 | 1 | 0.1 | 0 | 55 | 2.1 | 0.5 |
| Moong dal (dry) | 50 g (¼ cup) | 170 | 30 | 12 | 1 | 0.3 | 0 | 2 | 2.7 | 1 |
| Onion (optional) | 50 g | 20 | 4.6 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.8 | 2 |
| Garlic | 15 g | 22 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Green chillies | 10 g | 6 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Oil | 2 tbsp (30 ml) | 270 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 4.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jaggery | 4 g (1 tsp) | 15 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Mustard seeds | ½ tsp (2 g) | 10 | 1 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 0.3 | 0 |
| Cumin seeds | ½ tsp (1 g) | 8 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0 | 4 | 0.2 | 0 |
Total (Whole Recipe)
| Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) |
| 564 kcal | 53.9 g | 18.3 g | 33.6 g | 6.6 g | 7.9 g |
Per Serving (3 servings)
| Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) |
| 188 kcal | 18 g | 6 g | 11 g | 2.2 g | 2.6 g |
Shepu Bhaji (Maharashtrian Dill Sabzi) Recipe
Ingredients (serves 2-3)
Vegetables & Dal
- 1 large bunch Shepu (dill leaves) – finely chopped
- ¼ cup yellow moong dal – washed & soaked for 15 min
- 1 small onion – finely chopped (optional but adds sweetness)
Tempering
- 2 tbsp oil
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 4-5 garlic cloves – chopped
- 1-2 green chillies – chopped
Spices
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- ½-1 tsp jaggery (optional but traditional)
Instructions
1) Prep the dal
- Wash the moong dal and soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Drain and keep ready.
2) Fry the aromatics
- Heat oil in a kadhai.
- Add mustard seeds; let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, chopped garlic, and green chillies.
- Saute until garlic turns light golden.
3) Add onions (optional)
- Add chopped onion and sauté till translucent.
4) Cook the dill
- Add chopped shepu (dill) and mix well.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to wilt.
5) Add dal & spices
- Add soaked moong dal.
- Add turmeric, salt, and a splash of water (2-3 tbsp).
- Cover and cook on low flame for 8-10 minutes.
6) Finish the bhaji
- Check if dal is cooked and soft (not mushy).
- Add jaggery if using.
- Mix well and cook for 2 more minutes.
Serve with
- Bhakri (jowar/bajra)
- Chapati
- Rice + varan
Tips
- Dill shrinks a lot so use a full bunch.
- Dont add too much water; the sabzi should be dry.
- For a no-onion version, skip onion completely.
- You can also add a spoon of fresh coconut at the end for a coastal touch.
About Shepu Bhaji: The Fragrant Maharashtrian Dill Sabzi Loved Across Homes
In Maharashtrian cuisine, few vegetables are as distinctive and aromatic as shepu, known as dill leaves in English. This humble leafy green recognized for its feathery texture and strong fragrance has long been valued for both its taste and health benefits. Among the many ways dill is used in Maharashtra, Shepu Bhaji stands out as an everyday dish that is simple to prepare yet rich in character.
A Leaf with Tradition and Benefits
Dill has been used in Indian cooking and Ayurveda for centuries. It is believed to help with digestion, reduce bloating, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. This makes shepu bhaji not only flavorful but also a nutritious part of a balanced diet.
What Makes Shepu Bhaji Special?
The traditional Maharashtrian version combines fresh dill leaves with yellow moong dal, creating a dish that is light, earthy, and deeply aromatic. A simple tempering of mustard seeds, cumin, garlic, and green chillies brings out the natural flavor of the greens. The result is a dry sabzi that pairs beautifully with bhakri, chapati, or a plain dal-rice meal.
How Its Traditionally Made
Shepu Bhaji is admired for its minimal ingredients. After preparing the tempering, chopped dill leaves are added along with soaked moong dal, turmeric, and salt. A small amount of jaggery is often used to balance the slightly sharp taste of dill. While some households add onions or coconut, the core identity of the dish remains the same: simple, wholesome, and aromatic.
A Perfect Everyday Sabzi
For many Maharashtrian families, the fragrance of dill cooking in hot oil is nostalgic, reminding them of home-cooked meals and childhood memories. Served with jowar bhakri or chapati, Shepu Bhaji is a meal that represents comfort and tradition.
Why You Should Try It
If you are exploring regional Indian cuisine, Shepu Bhaji is a great dish to begin with. It is healthy, budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and brings a unique flavor that stands apart from most leafy vegetable dishes.

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