Best Vegetable Jalfrezi | Mixed Veg Jalfrezi Recipe| let’s check how to make a mixed veg jalfrezi recipe with step-by-step instructions and photos. Vegetable jalfrezi is a delicious dry curry made with a combination of vegetables cooked in a onion tomato-based gravy and a few basic Indian spices and herbs. Pair it with chapatti, naan or rice to make a perfect dinnertime meal.
About Vegetable Jalfrezi
It is a simple, quick, and healthy stir fry vegetable curry. The word “Jalfrezi” means spicy hot stir fry. In older time, jalfrezi was made with meat but today there is different vegetarian variation are made in various restaurants.
Mixed veg jalfrezi recipe is an Indian version of the British-Indian dish ‘Jalfrezi’. Which originated in India but later become more popular in the UK. Where chicken jalfrezi is a very famous dish in British Indian restaurants in Uk, and vegetable jalfrezi is a popular dish on the menu in Indian restaurants in India or Abroad.
Why should you try this recipe
- Quick in preparation
- Easy and delicious
- Goes well with chapatti, naan or rice
- Low in fat
- Vegan
- Diabetic-friendly
- Kids-friendly
Other dry vegetable curry you would like to try
Actually, vegetable jalfrezi is a version of mix vegetable dish but the style of making is different that gives a different final taste to this recipe. I would say it is the best vegetable-based dry curry which is tasty as well healthy with the use of minimal spices and fat.
It will be ready in somewhere 20-25 minutes. The main flavoured ingredient of this recipe is tomato sauce and vinegar. They give it a tangy taste which is similar to the Chinese style stir fry dishes. Vinegar is optional, if you want a more tanginess then you can add otherwise skip it.
This recipe shows how to transform boring veggies into a tasty and healthy dish. In India, most of the population is vegetarian and this restaurant-style vegetable jalfrezi is one of their favourite dishes.
As the jalfrezi curry is supposed to be very spicy but I have kept it mildly spiced according to my family’s taste. But if you like spicy adjust the spices levels to your taste.
Main ingredients used in the making of Mixed vegetable jalfrezi
Veggies– cauliflower, beans, capsicum, carrot and onion are used. You can skip or add veggies according to availability and your choice.
Dry masala– I have prepared a fresh ground masala from whole spice which includes red chilli, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, black cardamom, black pepper, and clove. Lightly roast them first and then ground them into a coarse powder. Doing this gives a strong aromatic taste to the dish.
Oil– mustard oil is used which enhances the flavour. Groundnut, sesame or rice bran oil can also be used instead.
Tomato– pureed tomato is used to give a nice thickness to the gravy.
Tomato sauce– adds a sweet as well as tangy flavour to this dish. Don’t skip it it enhances the taste of this dish.
Ginger, garlic and green chilli paste– adds a spicy taste and flavour the dish.
Kasoori methi– adds aroma, improves taste and flavour.
All the veggies used in the making of this jalfrezi are low in calories and rich in nutrients. They are rich in fibre and antioxidants. Use fresh and seasonal vegetables to get more nutrients and the best flavour of vegetable jalfrezi.
Step by step preparation of Vegetable jalfrezi
- Take a small pan, add whole cumin seeds, coriander seeds, whole red chilli, black pepper, cinnamon stick, black cardamom and dry roast it for 2-3 minutes on low flame. Then let them cool and grind them into a coarse powder. Keep it aside.
- Wash, peel, and cut veggies into lengthwise and put them aside.
- Take a frying pan, heat 1 ½ tbsp oil and add onion. Sauté it for a minute than add all other veggies and salt. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes on medium flame. Stir them occasionally. Then switch off the flame and transfer them to a plate.
- Now in the same frying pan heat 2 tbsp of the oil, add chopped onion, ginger, garlic and green chilli paste. Sauté it for 2-3 minutes or till its raw smell is gone.
- Then add tomato puree and cook till it starts leaving oil.
- Now add roasted veggies. In a bowl mix 2 tbsp water and ground masala. Add this masala to the veggies. Also add salt and mix well together.
- Cover the pan and cook it for 7-8 minutes on low flame.
- Veggies should be tender and soft but not mushy. If not reached that stage cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Finally add kasoori methi . Mix it well. Cook it for 1-2 minutes.
- Switch off the flame.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with chapatti, naan or paratha. ENJOY!
Serving suggestions
It is a delicious dry curry that can be served as a side with chapatti, naan or rice or can be packed in your Lunch Box too. A great dish to include to a party menu to replace mixed vegetable curry.
Tips and tricks
- Use fresh and seasonal vegetables to get the best taste and texture of vegetable jalfrezi.
- Stir fry the veggies first before adding them to the gravy is an important step to get a crunch in jalfrezi.
- You can prepare gravy beforehand to make the preparation quick.
- You can add any vegetables of your choice.
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