Recipe for Veg Jalfrezi: Quick and Tasty Indian Dish

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful Indian dish that’s packed with fresh vegetables and a delightful mix of spices, Veg Jalfrezi is your go-to recipe. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, jalfrezi is a stir-fried curry known for its tangy, slightly spicy sauce and crisp vegetables.

This dish is perfect for those who love their meals colorful, nutritious, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to follow and yields a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Veg Jalfrezi is incredibly versatile—you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a fantastic option for using up seasonal produce. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in more veggies into your diet without compromising on taste.

Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread, and you have a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Veg Jalfrezi recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly colorful and fresh, loaded with crunchy bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions that retain their texture even after cooking.

The tangy tomato-based sauce is enhanced with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, creating a perfect balance between heat and warmth.

It’s also a healthy and fiber-rich meal packed with vitamins and minerals from all the fresh vegetables. The one-pot cooking method makes it easy and quick, ideal for busy weeknights.

Whether you want a vegan, vegetarian, or simply vegetable-forward meal, Veg Jalfrezi fits the bill perfectly.

Finally, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be customized to suit your spice preferences, making it a flexible addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 medium carrot, sliced thinly
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Optional vegetables: peas, cauliflower florets, green beans (about 1 cup mixed)

Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet or wok
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater (for ginger)
• Measuring spoons
• Bowl for mixing and prepping ingredients

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in your skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
4. Add the bell peppers, carrot, and any optional vegetables like peas or cauliflower. Stir fry on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes. The vegetables should be tender but still have a crisp bite.
5. Mix in the chopped tomato and tomato paste. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and blend well with the vegetables.
6. Sprinkle in the coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and give it a final stir.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
9. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite Indian bread.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To keep your Veg Jalfrezi vibrant and crunchy, avoid overcooking the vegetables. Stir-frying on high heat while stirring constantly helps retain their texture.

Variation: Add paneer cubes or tofu for an extra protein boost. For a vegan-friendly option, tofu works beautifully.

Substitution: You can use tamarind paste instead of lemon juice for a more authentic tangy flavor.

Make it milder: Omit green chilies and reduce red chili powder to suit your heat tolerance.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Veg Jalfrezi pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. For a complete meal, add a side of cooling cucumber raita or a simple green salad.

If you want to explore more delicious vegetable-forward Indian dishes, check out these recipes:

• Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore
• Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals
• Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas

Conclusion

Veg Jalfrezi is more than just a vegetable curry; it’s a celebration of fresh produce and bold Indian spices that come together in perfect harmony. This recipe is easy to customize, quick to prepare, and delivers a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect any day of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting guests, this colorful stir-fry will brighten up your meal and your mood.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or add your favorite protein to make it your own. For more vegetable-packed, flavorful recipes that are easy to make at home, be sure to explore our other dishes like the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or the Vegetable Lasagna Stouffer’s Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Happy cooking!

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