Learn How To Make Delicious Vegetable Jalfrezi In Just 8 Easy Steps

Vegetable Jalfrezi is a spicy, tangy Indian dish made by sautéing a variety of vegetables with spices, tomatoes, and optional paneer. It’s garnished with lemon juice and cilantro, offering a vibrant flavor. Serve it with bread or rice for a wholesome meal.

Vegetable Jalfrezi is a flavorful Indian stir-fry dish made with a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, green beans, and cauliflower, sautéed with onions, ginger-garlic paste, and a mix of spices like turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. The dish is enhanced with chopped tomatoes, which create a tangy sauce, and optional paneer cubes for added richness. After seasoning with salt, sugar, and tomato ketchup or puree, the dish is finished with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnished with fresh cilantro. This versatile dish can be served hot with naan, roti, or rice. It can also be customized with different vegetables or enjoyed as a filling for wraps.

Ingredients:

•  2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sunflower)
•  1 teaspoon cumin seeds
•  1 large onion, thinly sliced
•  1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
•  1 large bell pepper (capsicum), sliced
•  1 large carrot, julienned
•  1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
•  1 cup cauliflower florets
•  1 cup paneer cubes (optional)
•  1 cup tomatoes, chopped
•  1 teaspoon turmeric powder
•  1 teaspoon coriander powder
•  1 teaspoon cumin powder
•  1 teaspoon garam masala
•  1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
•  1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
•  Salt to taste
•  1 tablespoon tomato ketchup or tomato puree
•  Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped for garnish
•  1 green chili, slit (optional, for extra heat)
•  1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

• Begin by preparing all the vegetables. Slice the onion and bell pepper, julienne the carrot, cut the green beans and cauliflower into small pieces, and chop the tomatoes. If using paneer, cut it into cubes. Keep all the ingredients ready to make the cooking process smoother.

2. Sauteing the Onions:

• Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they become aromatic. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This caramelization adds depth to the dish’s flavor.

3. Adding Aromatics and Vegetables:

• Add the ginger-garlic paste to the onions and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears. Then, add the sliced bell pepper, carrot, green beans, and cauliflower. Stir well and cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.

4. Spicing Up the Dish:

• Sprinkle the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and red chili powder over the vegetables. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. The turmeric adds color, while the other spices contribute to the rich, warm flavor of the Jalfrezi.

5. Tomato Addition and Simmering:

• Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and release their juices, creating a thick sauce. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a splash of water. Stir in the tomato ketchup or tomato puree to enhance the tanginess and add a hint of sweetness. If you like your Jalfrezi sweeter, you can also add a teaspoon of sugar at this stage.

6. Paneer and Final Seasoning:

• If you’re using paneer, gently fold in the paneer cubes into the vegetable mixture. Be careful not to break the paneer pieces. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow the paneer to absorb the flavors. Adjust salt according to taste. If you like a spicier dish, you can add a slit green chili at this point.

7. Finishing Touches:

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the Jalfrezi to brighten the flavors and add a hint of acidity. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves. This final touch enhances the freshness and aroma of the dish.

8. Serving:

• Serve the Vegetable Jalfrezi hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice. It also pairs well with jeera rice or even as a filling for wraps and rolls. Enjoy the vibrant, spicy, and tangy flavors of this classic Indian dish!

Tips:

Vegetable Variations:

• You can use any combination of vegetables you like or have on hand, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or peas.

Paneer:

• If you prefer, you can lightly fry the paneer cubes before adding them to the dish for a slightly crisp texture.

Consistency:

• Adjust the consistency of the Jalfrezi by adding more or less water, depending on whether you prefer it saucy or dry.

This Vegetable Jalfrezi is a versatile dish, packed with flavors and nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any meal.