Veg Chilli Milli Recipe – A North Indian Delight
Chilli Milli, a flavorful North Indian dish, is a hearty and wholesome combination of vegetables simmered in a creamy cashew and tomato gravy, infused with aromatic spices. This dish brings together a delightful balance of textures from vegetables like cabbage, carrots, green capsicum, and peas, enhanced by the rich taste of cashew nuts and cream. Perfect for a cozy dinner, Veg Chilli Milli pairs wonderfully with a serving of Boondi Raita and Tawa Paratha for a complete meal.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe will bring the authentic flavors of North India to your table in no time. Its unique blend of spices and ingredients promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how you can make this delicious vegetarian dish.
Ingredients for Veg Chilli Milli
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower, finely chopped | 1 cup |
| Carrot, thinly sliced | 1 |
| Green capsicum, thinly sliced | 1 |
| Tomatoes | 4 |
| Green peas | 1/2 cup |
| Cashew nuts | 3 tbsp |
| Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Green cardamom | 2 |
| Black cardamom | 1 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 inch |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 1 tbsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 tbsp |
| Kashmiri red chilli powder | 1 tbsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tbsp |
| Green chillies, chopped | 3-4 |
| Water | 1-1/2 cups |
| Kasuri methi | 1 tbsp |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 tbsp |
| Fresh coriander leaves | Small handful, finely chopped |
| Sugar | 1/4 tbsp |
| Cream | 3 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Allergen Information & Dietary Preferences
Allergen Information:
- Contains nuts (cashew nuts).
- Dairy (cream).
- May contain traces of gluten depending on the preparation of accompanying sides like Tawa Paratha.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian – This dish is fully plant-based and suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-Free Option – You can replace cashews with a non-nut alternative or omit them, but the flavor and texture may vary.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based cream (e.g., coconut cream) to make the dish dairy-free.
Preparation Time & Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 40 minutes | 20 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Veg Chilli Milli
-
Prepare the Cashew Paste
Begin by soaking the cashew nuts in 1/4 cup of hot water for about 20-25 minutes. Once the cashews have softened, drain them and grind them along with the ginger and tomatoes to form a smooth paste. This rich paste will be the base of your gravy. -
Sauté Whole Spices
In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the bay leaf, green cardamom, black cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Let the spices release their fragrance in the hot oil for a minute or two. -
Cook the Onion and Ginger-Garlic Paste
Add the finely chopped onion and ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Sauté until the onion turns light brown, and the raw smell of ginger-garlic fades away. -
Add the Cashew-Tomato Paste
Stir in the prepared cashew-tomato paste. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the gravy. -
Spice It Up
Add the turmeric, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and coriander powder to the paste. Mix well and let the spices cook for a couple of minutes, allowing their flavors to infuse into the base. -
Cook the Vegetables
Now, add the chopped cauliflower, carrot, capsicum, and green peas to the pan. Stir them into the spicy base and cook for about 5-6 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the gravy. -
Add Water and Simmer
Pour in the 1-1/2 cups of water, season with salt, and stir everything together. Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook on medium flame for about 10-12 minutes or until they become tender. If the gravy looks too thick, add a little more water, but keep in mind the consistency should not be too thin. -
Finish with Aromatics and Cream
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the kasuri methi, garam masala powder, and sugar to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Finally, add the cream and mix until the dish becomes smooth and creamy. -
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Veg Chilli Milli is now ready to serve. Pair it with a bowl of Boondi Raita and some soft Tawa Parathas for the perfect North Indian dinner experience.
Tips & Advice
- Consistency of Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the water slightly while cooking the vegetables. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the cooked vegetables to thicken the sauce.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your preference for heat. Kashmiri red chili powder adds color but is relatively mild, so you can increase or decrease its quantity for more heat.
- Vegan Adaptation: For a vegan version, replace the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream, which will complement the cashew nut base.
Conclusion
Chilli Milli is a versatile, comforting North Indian dish that combines vegetables, nuts, and spices to create a delightful dinner. This recipe, though simple to make, offers an incredible depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your guests impressed. Whether served with parathas, rice, or even as a standalone dish, Chilli Milli is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this rich, aromatic dish, and elevate your dinner experience with the authentic taste of North India!
