Celery is one of those vegetables that often sits quietly in the fridge, waiting for its moment to shine. In Indian cuisine, celery rarely takes center stage, but when it does, it adds a unique crunch and freshness to vegetable medleys, curries, and stir-fries.
Today, I’m bringing you a vibrant Indian-style celery sabzi—a simple, nourishing stir-fry that will have you rethinking the potential of this humble stalk.
With a fragrant medley of spices and colorful vegetables, this dish transforms celery from a supporting character to the star of your dinner table.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their meals or explore new ways to use up celery.
Whether you’re a seasoned Indian cook or just dabbling in new flavors, you’ll find this dish accessible and deeply satisfying.
Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and can be made in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or a wholesome lunch. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those hectic days when you want something delicious but don’t have much time.
- Healthy and filling: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, celery pairs beautifully with other veggies and Indian spices for a nourishing meal.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main with roti or rice, or as a hearty side dish. You can also customize the vegetables based on what’s in your fridge.
- Diet-friendly: Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this recipe suits a variety of dietary needs.
- Flavorful: The combination of cumin, turmeric, and garam masala gives this dish a bold, aromatic flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Celery stalks | 2 cups | Sliced (about 6-7 stalks) |
| Carrot | 1 large | Sliced or diced |
| Potato | 1 medium | Peeled and diced |
| Green peas | 1/2 cup | Fresh or frozen |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1 medium | Chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece | Grated |
| Green chili | 1 | Optional, chopped |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp | Whole |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tsp | – |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp | – |
| Garam masala | 3/4 tsp | – |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Salt | To taste | – |
| Oil | 2 tbsp | Preferably vegetable or mustard oil |
| Fresh cilantro | 2 tbsp | Chopped, for garnish |
Equipment
- Large skillet or kadhai
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Bowl for prepping vegetables
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables:Wash and slice the celery into 1/2-inch pieces. Peel and dice the carrot and potato into small cubes.
Finely chop the onion, tomato, and green chili. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
Set aside all vegetables in separate bowls.
- Heat the oil:Place your skillet or kadhai over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and let it heat up.
Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté aromatics:Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the ginger, garlic, and green chili. Cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add tomatoes and spices:Toss in the chopped tomato. Sprinkle over turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomato softens and oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Cook the vegetables:Add diced potatoes and carrots first, mixing to coat them in the spiced tomato mixture. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add celery and peas:Now add the celery and green peas. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Celery should stay slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Finish with garam masala:Sprinkle garam masala over the cooked vegetables. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Adjust salt and chili to taste.
- Garnish and serve:Turn off the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Don’t overcook the celery—its beautiful crunch is what makes this dish stand out!
- Add more veggies: Try adding bell peppers, beans, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.
- Make it saucy: Add 1/4 cup of water or coconut milk after adding the vegetables for a more curry-like consistency.
- Spice it up: Swap green chili for red chili or add a dash of black pepper for extra heat.
- Protein boost: Stir in cubed tofu or cooked chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Low-oil version: Use just 1 tablespoon of oil and add a splash of water during the sautéing to prevent sticking.
- Herb twist: Garnish with fresh mint or dill along with cilantro for a refreshing finish.
“Celery is a wonderful addition to Indian stir-fries, lending a fresh crunch and soaking up spices beautifully.”
Looking for more creative ways to use up veggies? Check out our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious and Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for weeknight inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Vitamin A | 40% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Iron | 7% DV |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- With Indian breads: Serve hot with roti, chapati, or paratha for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
- Rice pairings: Pair with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a comforting lunch or dinner.
- Lunchbox friendly: Pack it with whole wheat tortillas for a healthy lunch on the go. Try making wraps using our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade.
- Side dish: This celery sabzi pairs beautifully with dal, sambar, or yogurt for a well-rounded Indian meal.
- Fusion ideas: Use leftovers as a filling for sandwiches, quesadillas, or even stuffed bell peppers.
Pro tip: For a festive touch, top with toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
For more global plant-based flavors, don’t miss our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor and Veg Maharashtrian Recipes: Easy & Delicious Meals.
Conclusion
Celery may be an underrated vegetable in Indian kitchens, but with the right blend of spices and supporting veggies, it truly shines. This Indian-style celery sabzi is a celebration of texture, flavor, and nutrition—perfect for anyone looking to explore new recipes or elevate their everyday meals.
It’s quick enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve to guests seeking something unique and wholesome.
Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite vegetables or spice blends.
Next time you find a bunch of celery in your fridge, give this recipe a try—you’ll be surprised how much you love it!
📖 Recipe Card: Indian-style Stir-Fried Celery (Celery Sabzi)
Description: A quick and flavorful Indian vegetable dish featuring crunchy celery, aromatic spices, and fresh coriander. Perfect as a side with chapati or rice.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.
- Once cumin splutters, add sliced onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add green chili and sauté for a minute.
- Add chopped celery, turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt.
- Mix well and cook on medium heat for 7-8 minutes until celery is tender but crisp.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 85 kcal | Protein: 1.5 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 9 g
