Arbi Masala is a beloved vegetarian delicacy from India that highlights the humble taro root (arbi) in a rich, spicy, and aromatic masala gravy. This dish beautifully combines the earthy flavor of arbi with a medley of traditional Indian spices, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or exploring new vegetarian recipes, Arbi Masala offers a delightful blend of textures and spices that will satisfy your palate. Its versatility allows it to be paired with roti, rice, or even enjoyed on its own as a hearty snack.
In this post, we’ll explore authentic Arbi Masala veg recipes of India, providing you with detailed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to master this dish. Plus, if you love Indian vegetarian cooking, be sure to check out related recipes like Half Runner Beans Recipe and Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for more flavorful inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Arbi Masala is a perfect blend of taste and nutrition. The taro root is rich in fiber and vitamins, while the masala spices boost metabolism and add a punch of flavor.
What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity and the ability to customize it according to your spice tolerance.
This recipe is:
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it ideal for plant-based diets.
- Nutritious and filling—perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
- Easy to prepare with common Indian spices and ingredients.
- Versatile—serve it as a side dish or a main course with roti or rice.
Ingredients
- 500 grams arbi (taro root), peeled and cut into medium-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil (mustard or vegetable oil preferred)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
- Water as needed
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed frying pan or kadhai
- Pressure cooker or pot for boiling arbi
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the Arbi: Wash the taro roots thoroughly. Boil them in a pressure cooker with enough water and a pinch of salt for about 3-4 whistles or until tender but firm. Drain and set aside to cool. Once cool, peel if not peeled earlier and cut into medium-sized cubes.
- Heat oil in a kadhai: Add cumin seeds and let them splutter over medium heat.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add finely chopped onions and green chilies. Cook until onions turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste: Sauté for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Mix in tomatoes and spices: Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and oil starts to separate from the masala (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the boiled arbi pieces: Gently fold them into the masala, coating them evenly.
- Add water: Pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to create a slightly thick gravy. Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing the arbi to absorb the flavors.
- Finish with garam masala: Sprinkle garam masala and mix gently. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish: Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot: Enjoy your Arbi Masala with chapati, paratha, or steamed rice.
Tips & Variations
Peeling taro root can be tricky due to its slimy texture. Use a spoon or knife to scrape the skin gently after boiling — it peels off easily then.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
- Try roasting the arbi pieces instead of boiling for a crispy texture before adding to the masala.
- If you enjoy a tangy twist, add a teaspoon of amchur (dry mango powder) or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Add peas, bell peppers, or potatoes to the masala to make it a more filling mixed vegetable dish.
- For a dry version, cook the masala without adding water, ensuring the arbi gets coated with the spices and cooked until soft.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Vitamin C | 12% of RDA |
Iron | 8% of RDA |
Potassium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Arbi Masala pairs beautifully with simple Indian breads like sourdough buns or traditional chapati and paratha. For a wholesome meal, serve it alongside steamed basmati rice or jeera rice to soak up the flavorful gravy.
Complement your meal with a cooling side like cucumber raita or a fresh salad. If you want to try other Indian vegetarian delights, explore recipes like Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet finish or Half Runner Beans Recipe for more vegetable variety.
More Arbi Masala Veg Recipes of India
Mumbai Style Arbi Masala
a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves for an extra aromatic punch.
Punjabi Arbi Masala
Rich and spicy, this recipe uses a combination of onions, tomatoes, and creamy cashew paste to create a thick, luxurious gravy that’s perfect for special occasions.
South Indian Style Arbi Fry
A dry, spicy stir-fry version with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies. This quick recipe is a great side dish for dosa or idli.
Bengali Arbi Posto
A unique take where the taro root is cooked in a poppy seed (posto) paste, giving it a nutty texture and subtle flavors typical of Bengali cuisine.
Gujarati Arbi Nu Shaak
A mildly sweet and sour curry flavored with jaggery and tamarind, offering a perfect balance to the earthy arbi.
Conclusion
Arbi Masala is a versatile and delicious dish that showcases the magic of Indian spices paired with the humble taro root. Whether you prefer a dry stir-fry or a rich, saucy curry, this recipe can be adapted to suit your taste buds.
It’s an excellent way to add variety to your vegetarian meals and impress guests with authentic Indian flavors.
Cooking Arbi Masala is not only a culinary delight but also a journey into the heart of Indian home cooking. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to explore other vibrant dishes like Half Runner Beans Recipe or indulge in a sweet treat like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to complete your meal experience.
📖 Recipe Card: Arbi Masala
Description: A flavorful Indian vegetarian dish made with taro root cooked in aromatic spices. Perfect as a side or main dish, it offers a spicy and tangy taste.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g arbi (taro root), peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Boil arbi cubes until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they crackle.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Mix in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Stir in turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt.
- Add boiled arbi cubes and mix well with the masala.
- Cook on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 25 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Arbi Masala”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful Indian vegetarian dish made with taro root cooked in aromatic spices. Perfect as a side or main dish, it offers a spicy and tangy taste.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“500g arbi (taro root), peeled and cut into cubes”, “2 tbsp oil”, “1 tsp mustard seeds”, “1 tsp cumin seeds”, “1 onion, finely chopped”, “2 tomatoes, finely chopped”, “2 green chilies, slit”, “1 tsp ginger-garlic paste”, “1/2 tsp turmeric powder”, “1 tsp red chili powder”, “1 tsp coriander powder”, “Salt to taste”, “Fresh coriander leaves for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Boil arbi cubes until tender, then drain and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they crackle.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onions and saut\u00e9 until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add tomatoes and cook until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add boiled arbi cubes and mix well with the masala.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”}}