Indian cuisine is a beautiful tapestry of vibrant colors, bold spices, and fresh ingredients, and nothing captures this essence better than a quick and delicious Indian veg stir fry. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a healthy, flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Packed with crunchy vegetables, aromatic spices, and a hint of tanginess, this stir fry is not only wholesome but also highly adaptable to whatever veggies you have handy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to dive into Indian flavors, this recipe is approachable and satisfying.
Beyond being a nutritious option, this Indian veg stir fry makes an excellent side dish or a light main when paired with rice or flatbreads. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and full of vibrant colors that make it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Let’s dive into this easy and aromatic dish that brings a burst of Indian flavors to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Indian veg stir fry is a fantastic way to enjoy a medley of vegetables infused with traditional Indian spices without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy lifestyles, yet it delivers deep, rich flavors that are anything but ordinary.
Health-conscious eaters will appreciate the high fiber content, vitamins, and antioxidants from the fresh veggies. Plus, the recipe is versatile—you can swap or add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or even add protein like tofu or paneer for a heartier meal.
With minimal oil and no heavy sauces, this stir fry stays light and refreshing. It’s also a wonderful introduction to Indian cooking techniques and spices if you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or mustard oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Juice of half a lemon
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Grater for ginger
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Bowl for mixing ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare all the vegetables: Wash and chop the cauliflower, green beans, carrot, bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green chilies.
- Heat oil in the skillet: Place your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable or mustard oil and let it warm up. Once hot, add the cumin and mustard seeds. Let them sizzle and pop for about 30 seconds.
- Add aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add onions: Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the vegetables: Add the cauliflower florets, green beans, and carrots. Stir well to coat with the spices and oil.
- Season with spices: Sprinkle turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt over the vegetables. Mix thoroughly.
- Cook covered: Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the vegetables cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through. They should be tender but still crisp.
- Add bell peppers and garam masala: Uncover and add the sliced bell pepper along with the garam masala. Stir and cook uncovered for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
- Finish with lemon juice and garnish: Turn off the heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir fry, and garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot: Enjoy your Indian veg stir fry on its own or paired with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
Tips & Variations
“For extra protein, toss in some tofu cubes or paneer towards the end of cooking. Add peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture.”
You can customize this stir fry with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn. Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer green chilies or by sprinkling red chili powder along with the other spices.
If you prefer a slightly saucier dish, add a splash of water or vegetable broth while cooking and cover to steam the veggies to tenderness. For a smoky twist, use mustard oil and add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Try incorporating whole spices like cloves or cinnamon sticks at the start for a more aromatic profile. Don’t forget to check out other vegetable-rich recipes like our California Blend Veggies Recipes for Quick Healthy Meal or explore slow cooker options in Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 5 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Vitamin C | 60% of Daily Value |
Iron | 10% of Daily Value |
Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This Indian veg stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice for a complete meal. For a gluten-free option, opt for millet or quinoa as a base.
You can also enjoy it alongside Indian flatbreads like roti, naan, or paratha.
For a more filling option, serve with a dollop of yogurt or raita on the side to balance the spices. Add a simple dal or lentil soup to round out your meal with protein and fiber.
If you love experimenting, check out our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for more hearty dishes full of Indian flavors.
Conclusion
This Indian veg stir fry is a celebration of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, coming together in a dish that is both healthy and bursting with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, flexible enough to accommodate what’s in your fridge, and perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious meal without compromising on taste.
Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a colorful plate of veggies infused with the warmth of traditional Indian spices. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to explore our other delightful recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to keep your meals exciting and flavorful.
📖 Recipe Card: Indian Veg Stir Fry
Description: A quick and flavorful Indian vegetable stir fry with vibrant spices. Perfect as a side or light main dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, sliced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard and cumin seeds; let them splutter.
- Add sliced onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili; sauté until onions are soft.
- Add cauliflower, green beans, and carrot; stir well.
- Sprinkle turmeric, garam masala, and salt; mix thoroughly.
- Cook covered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid and cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 18 g
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