Bok choy, a crisp and tender leafy green vegetable, has been a staple in many Asian cuisines for centuries. However, its subtle flavor and versatile texture make it a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into Indian cooking as well.
Indian cuisine, with its vibrant spices and rich flavors, can transform bok choy into a delightful dish that appeals to both traditionalists and modern food lovers alike. Whether you’re a fan of quick stir-fries, hearty curries, or tangy pickles, bok choy adapts beautifully to Indian spices and cooking methods.
In this post, we’ll explore multiple exciting bok choy recipes Indian style that are easy to prepare, delicious, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these recipes will add a fresh twist to your vegetable repertoire.
Indian cooking brings out the best in vegetables by layering spices and textures, and bok choy is no exception. From a simple masala sauté to a creamy curry, the versatility of bok choy shines through.
Plus, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor. Ready to discover your new favorite bok choy Indian recipe?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to fall in love with bok choy recipes Indian style. First, bok choy is naturally low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K, making it a powerhouse of nutrition.
When combined with aromatic Indian spices, it becomes a flavorful and wholesome meal.
Second, these recipes are incredibly versatile and can be adapted for vegan, vegetarian, or even gluten-free diets. The cooking methods are straightforward, requiring minimal prep, which means you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
Lastly, bok choy’s mild taste absorbs spices beautifully, giving you a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you want a quick weekday dinner or an impressive dish for guests, these recipes will fit the bill perfectly.
Ingredients
- 2 large heads of bok choy, washed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil (mustard or vegetable oil preferred)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 cup coconut milk (for creamy curry variation)
Equipment
- Large frying pan or wok
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowl
- Optional: Blender (if making a smooth curry paste)
Instructions
- Prepare the bok choy: Trim the ends and chop the bok choy into bite-sized pieces, separating the white stalks from the leafy greens.
- Heat oil and temper spices: In a large pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook until the onions turn golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the chopped tomato, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil begins to separate from the masala (about 5 minutes).
- Cook bok choy stalks: Add the chopped bok choy stalks first and sauté for 3-4 minutes as they take longer to soften.
- Add bok choy leaves: Then add the leafy parts and stir well. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Finish with garam masala: Sprinkle garam masala over the cooked bok choy and mix gently. If making the creamy curry version, stir in the coconut milk now and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like roti or paratha.
Tips & Variations
“Always cook the bok choy stalks first, as they need more time to soften compared to the leaves.”
For a spicier version, increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder. You can also add mustard seeds during tempering for an extra layer of flavor.
If you want a dry stir-fry instead of a curry, skip the tomatoes and coconut milk. Simply sauté the bok choy with garlic, ginger, and spices until just tender.
For a protein boost, toss in some cooked chickpeas or paneer cubes towards the end of cooking. This makes the dish more filling and perfect for lunch or dinner.
To explore more Indian vegetable recipes, check out our Dassana Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try for inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 90 kcal |
Protein | 3 g |
Carbohydrates | 8 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Vitamin A | 60% of RDI |
Vitamin C | 45% of RDI |
Calcium | 8% of RDI |
Serving Suggestions
This Indian-style bok choy dish pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or jeera (cumin) rice. You can also serve it alongside Indian breads such as chapati, paratha, or naan for a satisfying meal.
For a complete traditional Indian meal, complement this recipe with a dal (lentil curry) and a cooling cucumber raita. If you prefer a lighter meal, serve the bok choy curry with a fresh salad and some roasted papadums.
For more wholesome and easy vegan meal ideas, you might enjoy these recipes: Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
Conclusion
Indian-style bok choy recipes are a delightful way to enjoy this nutritious green vegetable with a twist. The combination of spices, fresh herbs, and simple cooking techniques makes these dishes both flavorful and healthy.
Whether you opt for a dry stir-fry or a creamy coconut curry, bok choy’s crisp texture and mild taste absorb Indian spices beautifully.
These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to try something new in their kitchen, add more greens to their diet, or simply enjoy a quick and tasty meal. Give these recipes a try and discover how versatile and delicious bok choy can be in Indian cooking.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Indian Spiced Bok Choy
Description: A flavorful Indian-style bok choy stir-fry with aromatic spices and a hint of tanginess. Quick and healthy, perfect as a side or light meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups bok choy, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or mustard)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin and mustard seeds until they crackle.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili; sauté until golden.
- Stir in turmeric, coriander powder, and salt; cook for 1 minute.
- Add chopped bok choy and mix well to coat with spices.
- Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until bok choy is tender.
- Sprinkle garam masala, stir, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 8 g
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