Mini Dal Samosa Curry/Sabzi Recipe: A Flavorful Delight for Your Dinner Table
Mini Dal Samosa Curry, or Sabzi, is a delectable and easy-to-prepare vegetarian dish that offers an exciting twist on the classic Indian curry. Whether you’re planning a special celebration or hosting a cozy dinner with loved ones, this flavorful curry makes an excellent alternative to the usual paneer or vegetable curries. The crispy, golden mini samosas combined with a rich, aromatic gravy create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. This North Indian delight is a must-try for any culinary enthusiast.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spices | |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3 pods |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 6 whole |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 whole |
| Mace (Javitri) | 1 whole |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Black cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 pod |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| For the Gravy | |
| Mini Samosas | 6 pieces |
| Cashew Nuts | 15 whole |
| Green Chilli | 1 whole, chopped |
| Onion, roughly chopped | 1 medium |
| Tomato, roughly chopped | 2 medium |
| Ginger (fresh) | 1/2 inch piece |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Gravy:
Begin by heating a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, introduce the whole spices: cardamom, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and mace. Sautรฉ for a few seconds to release the flavors. -
Cook the Aromatics:
Add the cashew nuts, green chili, ginger, chopped onions, and tomatoes to the pan. Stir everything together, and pour in about 1/2 cup of water. Season with salt to taste. Cover the pan and allow the mixture to cook until the onions and tomatoes soften. Once cooked, turn off the flame and allow the mixture to cool. -
Blend the Mixture:
Once the mixture is cool, transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth. You may strain the paste to remove any larger pieces of ingredients, though this step is optional if you prefer a chunkier gravy. Set the smooth gravy aside. -
Prepare the Curry Base:
In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add the bay leaf and black cardamom. Once the spices release their aroma, add the ground tomato-onion mixture you previously blended. Stir in the Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and the crushed kasuri methi. Mix well and cook the gravy on low flame for about 10 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and deepen in flavor. -
Finish the Gravy:
Add fresh cream and sugar to the gravy, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to incorporate all the flavors. -
Add the Mini Samosas:
Once the gravy is ready, carefully add the mini samosas to the pan. However, be sure to add the samosas only about an hour before serving, to ensure they remain crisp. If left for too long, the samosas can become soggy. -
Serve:
Once the samosas are soaked in the gravy and have absorbed the flavors, the dish is ready to serve. This curry pairs beautifully with hot phulka, tawa paratha, or jeera rice, along with a refreshing kachumber salad made from cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes.
Cooking Tips:
- For an authentic taste, try making the mini dal samosas at home using moong dal for the filling. You can follow a simple recipe for Moong Dal Mini Samosas if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Adjust the spices based on your preference for heat. The Kashmiri red chili powder gives a mild warmth, but you can always add more green chilies for an extra kick.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use a fine sieve to strain the gravy paste. This will give you a velvety finish that is perfect for pairing with the crispy samosas.
- For a rich and creamy texture, don’t skip the fresh creamโit helps balance the spices and adds a luscious creaminess to the curry.
Why You’ll Love Mini Dal Samosa Curry:
This recipe is a fantastic choice for a Sunday family meal or when you have guests over. The crispy mini samosas dipped in a luscious, spiced gravy create a beautiful contrast in textures. The aromatic spices, combined with the creamy gravy, give this dish a robust, full-bodied flavor that is simply irresistible.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this vibrant and flavorful curry with some traditional sides like:
- Phulka: Soft, round Indian flatbreads that are perfect for soaking up the gravy.
- Tawa Paratha: Crisp, buttery parathas that bring an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- Jeera Rice: Fragrant rice flavored with cumin seeds that complements the rich curry perfectly.
- Kachumber Salad: A fresh, tangy salad made from cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, adding a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the curry.
Conclusion:
Mini Dal Samosa Curry is a unique North Indian dish that blends the crispness of samosas with a rich, spiced gravy. Itโs a satisfying and delicious option for any vegetarian meal, and itโs sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a hearty dinner, this curry will impress everyone with its bold flavors and creative twist on a classic.
