Kadai Vegetable
A vibrant mix of vegetables tossed in a spicy, aromatic tomato-based gravy with freshly ground kadai masala. This popular North Indian dish is full of flavor and texture, perfect with roti or naan.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Kadai Masala
- b.In a small, dry pan over low heat, add coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and black peppercorns.
- c.Dry roast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and slightly darker. Be careful not to burn them.
- d.Remove from heat and let the spices cool completely.
- e.Transfer to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind to a coarse powder. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Vegetables
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a kadai or a heavy-bottomed wok over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the carrots, green beans, and cauliflower florets. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until they are about 70% cooked and have light golden spots.
- d.Add the cubed onion and green bell pepper. Continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- e.Remove all the vegetables from the kadai and set them aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Gravy
- b.In the same kadai, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil and heat it over medium flame.
- c.Add 1 tsp of cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it turns soft and translucent.
- e.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- f.Add the tomato puree, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- g.Cook the masala, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes until it thickens and you see oil separating from the sides.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish the Dish
- b.Add the sautéed vegetables back into the kadai with the tomato gravy.
- c.Sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons of the freshly prepared Kadai Masala over the vegetables (store the rest in an airtight container).
- d.Gently toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly with the masala and gravy.
- e.Pour in 1/2 cup of water, stir, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- f.Uncover and stir in the crushed kasuri methi, garam masala, and optional fresh cream. Mix well and cook for one more minute.
- g.Turn off the heat.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and ginger juliennes.
- c.Serve hot with naan, roti, or paratha.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, always use freshly ground Kadai Masala. The aroma is far superior to store-bought versions.
- 2Do not overcook the vegetables. They should retain a slight crunch (al dente) to provide a pleasant texture.
- 3To make the gravy richer and creamier, add 1 tablespoon of cashew paste along with the tomato puree.
- 4Using a heavy-bottomed iron kadai enhances the authentic flavor of the dish.
- 5Adjust the amount of dried red chilies in the masala to control the spice level of the final dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Rich
Add 200g of cubed paneer along with the bell peppers and onions for a delicious Kadai Paneer Vegetable.
VeganVegan
Omit the optional fresh cream or substitute it with coconut cream or cashew cream to make the dish fully vegan.
Mushroom MedleyMushroom Medley
Add 200g of sliced button mushrooms and sauté them with the bell peppers for an earthy flavor.
Quick VersionQuick Version
Use a high-quality store-bought Kadai Masala and a bag of frozen mixed vegetables to save on prep time.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
The diverse mix of vegetables like carrots, beans, and cauliflower makes this dish high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This dish is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Bell peppers provide Vitamin C, carrots are rich in Vitamin A, and other vegetables contribute a range of B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic are well-known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Boosts Immunity
The combination of vitamins from vegetables and bioactive compounds from spices like cumin and coriander helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body against infections.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Kadai Vegetable is a very healthy dish. It is packed with a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The spices used also have numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion and possessing anti-inflammatory properties.