In the forested rural settlements of the Surguja region in Chhattisgarh, indigenous food traditions rooted deeply in local ecology continue to thrive across generations. Gathering naturally growing wild flora to enrich daily nutrition remains a defining lifestyle practice among forest-dwelling communities. Among these natural provisions, wild Sharu greens occupy an indispensable spot on the traditional village platter.
Sun Drying and Long-Term Preservation as Sukti
According to Ramnath Kindo from Askara village, Sharu greens grow naturally in the depths of the forest, where local residents seek them out during their foraging routines. Once collected, the fresh leafy produce is thoroughly dried under direct sunlight, transforming it into a durable commodity known locally as Sukti. After drying completely, the leaves are ground into a powder form called Guda and carefully stored for extended shelf life, allowing households to prepare meals whenever needed. Kindo notes that Sharu Sukti is rooted deep in ancestral heritage rather than being a modern innovation, as families have prepared it since the times of their forebears. Neighboring villagers readily identify the plant and incorporate it into their diets across diverse seasons depending on individual taste.
Traditional Cooking Technique and the Use of Pasiya
Cooking Sharu Sukti involves simple, locally sourced ingredients that accentuate its authentic earthen flavors. The dish is routinely prepared with cooking oil, garlic cloves, green chilies, and ripe tomatoes. Sharing the local recipe, a village resident named Sukhmani detailed that the greens are gently pan-sautéed in oil along with garlic and chili seasoning before tomatoes are introduced into the mix. Afterward, a small quantity of water is added alongside boiled rice starch water, locally referred to as Pasiya. Even when tomatoes are unavailable in the household, Pasiya serves as an effective cooking base. Villagers emphasize that adding Pasiya gives the curry an appealing thickness while substantially elevating the overall taste profile.
Off-Season Food Security and Visitor Fascination
The practice of preparing and preserving Sukti offers a major nutritional advantage during scorching summer months, enabling families to cook hearty curries even when fresh seasonal vegetables are scarce. When travelers and urban visitors arrive in the villages of Surguja, inquiries regarding Sharu Sukti are commonplace. Local residents willingly explain the history and culinary preparation of the dish, and many newcomers delight in tasting the earthy forest delicacy. This wild leafy harvest continues to hold its ground as an essential and treasured element of rural dining culture.
