Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Rogan Josh Sauce

Introduction

Imagine a vibrant medley of vegetables, charred to perfection on a hot griddle, their smoky aroma mingling with a rich, aromatic sauce inspired by the traditional flavors of Kashmiri cuisine. This dish, Griddled Vegetable Skewers with Rogan Josh Sauce, is a delectable fusion that combines the rustic appeal of grilled vegetables with the complex, spicy depth of Rogan Josh. It offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors—crisp-tender vegetables contrasted by a velvety, spice-laden sauce that beckons your taste buds to a culinary adventure. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians, vegans (with minor substitutions), and anyone eager to explore a new dimension of flavor. It’s a versatile dish suitable for casual weeknights or special gatherings, and it encapsulates the beauty of combining global cuisines in a way that’s both satisfying and visually appealing. At Love With Recipes, we aim to help you craft dishes that are not only delicious but also nourishing, and this recipe exemplifies that ethos with its wholesome ingredients and bold flavors.

Time

The total preparation and cooking time for this dish is approximately 1 hour. Here’s a breakdown:

• Vegetable preparation: 15-20 minutes
• Making the Rogan Josh sauce: 15-20 minutes
• Preheating and grilling the skewers: 15-20 minutes
• Assembly and serving: 5-10 minutes

Overall, expect around 60 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for a flavorful yet timely meal.

Needed Equipment

To successfully prepare this dish, gather the following equipment:

• Griddle or grill pan: Preferably cast iron or non-stick to achieve perfect grill marks and even heat distribution.
• Skewers: Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning) or metal skewers.
• Sharp knife: For cutting vegetables uniformly.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prepping vegetables and aromatics.
• Mixing bowls: For marinating vegetables and preparing the sauce.
• Saucepan or deep skillet: To cook the Rogan Josh sauce.
• Pastry brush or silicone brush: For brushing oil on skewers and vegetables.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To accurately measure spices, liquids, and other ingredients.
• Whisk or spoon: For stirring the sauce during simmering.
• Cooking thermometer (optional): To monitor oil temperature or ensuring the sauce reaches desired temperature.
• Serving platter: To present the grilled skewers.
• Aluminum foil or heatproof cover: To keep finished skewers warm or to cover the sauce while simmering, if needed.

Tags

Fusion, Vegetarian, Vegan (optional), Grilled, Indian Cuisine, Kashmiri Flavors, Healthy, Easy to Make, Summer Recipes, Appetizer, Main Course

Serving Size

Serves approximately 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes and whether the dish is served as a main or appetizer.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is rated as moderate. It involves grilling techniques and sauce preparation, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience in both areas. However, with clear instructions, even beginners can achieve excellent results.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

This dish is suitable for:

• Vegetarian
• Vegan (with modifications such as vegan yogurt and oil instead of butter)
• Gluten-free (if gluten-free spices and ingredients are used)

Course

Main Course, Appetizer, Vegetarian Main

Cuisine

Fusion of Indian (Kashmiri) and Western grilling techniques

Ingredients

Vegetables for Skewers

Rogan Josh Sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing all fresh vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub firm-skinned vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a more thorough clean. Peel onions and mushrooms as needed, though leaving the skins on for added flavor and nutrition.

Cut the bell peppers into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and attractive presentation. Similarly, slice zucchini into rounds or half-moons, about half an inch thick. Keep cherry tomatoes whole, as their small size makes them perfect for skewering and grilling without falling apart.

Onions should be cut into chunks approximately 1 inch in size to ensure they grill evenly and develop a sweet, caramelized flavor. Mushrooms can be halved if large; smaller mushrooms can be grilled whole. Prepare all vegetables ahead of time and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

To enhance flavor and prevent sticking, lightly toss the prepared vegetables with a tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired, but remember that the sauce will add additional seasoning later.

2. Skewering the Vegetables

Choose your skewers—wooden or metal. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Assemble the skewers by threading the vegetables alternately to create a colorful pattern. For example, start with a piece of bell pepper, followed by a cherry tomato, onion chunk, zucchini slice, mushroom, and repeat as needed. This alternating pattern not only looks appealing but also ensures a variety of flavors in each bite.

Maintain a slight space between each vegetable piece on the skewer to allow heat circulation, facilitating even charring and cooking. Once assembled, brush the skewers lightly with oil to prevent sticking during grilling.

3. Making the Rogan Josh Sauce

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart bitterness.

Incorporate the spices: cumin seeds, coriander powder, crushed cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Toast the spices gently, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step helps release their essential oils, deepening the sauce’s flavor.

Pour in the tomato puree and stir well to combine. Allow this mixture to simmer briefly, about 3-4 minutes, to meld the flavors. Next, lower the heat and add the yogurt, whisking continuously to prevent curdling. If using saffron, soak the strands in a tablespoon of warm water for 5 minutes, then add to the sauce for a luxurious aroma and color.

Simmer the sauce gently for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it; if too thin, continue simmering until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Grilling the Vegetable Skewers

Preheat your griddle or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Test the temperature by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface; they should sizzle immediately. Brush the skewers with a little oil to prevent sticking and promote grill marks.

Place the skewers on the hot griddle, arranging them carefully to avoid crowding. Grill for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender with visible grill marks and slight charring—this imparts a smoky depth to the dish. The vegetables should be cooked yet retain some bite, maintaining their freshness and vibrancy.

Throughout grilling, keep an eye on the vegetables to prevent burning. Adjust heat as necessary, lowering it if charring occurs too quickly. Once grilled, remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a minute.

5. Serving the Dish

Arrange the skewers on a serving platter, fanning them out for visual appeal. You can either pour the Rogan Josh sauce over the skewers or serve it on the side for dipping—based on preference. For a more dramatic presentation, drizzle the sauce artfully over the vegetables, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through.

Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley if desired, adding a burst of freshness. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by warm naan, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Preparation Tips

• Vegetable selection: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. Feel free to customize based on availability—eggplant, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes can be excellent additions.
• Marinating: For extra flavor, marinate the vegetables briefly with a teaspoon of spices or herbs before skewering.
• Sauce consistency: Adjust the thickness of the Rogan Josh sauce by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding a splash of water for a thinner consistency.
• Vegetable size: Uniformly cut vegetables ensure even cooking and attractive presentation.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Pre-soaking skewers: Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring even cooking and safety.
• Vegetable variation: Experiment with different vegetables like eggplant, cauliflower florets, or snap peas for variety.
• Flavor enhancements: Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chaat masala after grilling for extra zest.
• Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of sauce and vegetables for leftovers or future meals.

Add-ons

• Fresh chopped cilantro or mint for garnish
• Thinly sliced red onion and lemon wedges for serving
• Crumbled feta or paneer (if not vegan) for added richness
• Serve with coriander or mint chutney for extra flavor

Side Dishes

• Steamed Basmati rice or flavored rice like pilaf
• Warm naan bread or roti
• Simple cucumber raita or vegan yogurt dip
• Green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Improvements

• Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce for a smoky kick.
• Incorporate roasted garlic into the sauce for deeper flavor.
• Use a mix of vegetables for more complex textures and flavors.
• Infuse the oil used for grilling with garlic or herbs for added aroma.

Save and Store

Leftover roasted vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. The Rogan Josh sauce can be kept in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat and adjust consistency as needed before serving. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in small portions, thawing as required. To maintain freshness, store vegetables separately from the sauce and reassemble before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy yogurt with plant-based yogurt and use oil instead of ghee or butter. Ensure all spices and ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips, or sturdier greens like kale, can be added or substituted based on preference and seasonal availability.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as the spices and ingredients are gluten-free. Avoid adding bread-based sides if you’re strictly gluten-free.

How spicy is the Rogan Josh sauce?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder or pepper. For milder flavor, reduce or omit chili; for more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or hotter chili powders.

Conclusion

Embark on a culinary journey that marries the smoky, charred goodness of grilled vegetables with the complex, aromatic allure of traditional Rogan Josh spices. This dish exemplifies how global flavors can harmonize in a simple yet sophisticated presentation that pleases both the eyes and the palate. Whether served as a hearty main or an impressive appetizer, Griddled Vegetable Skewers with Rogan Josh Sauce is a celebration of flavors, textures, and cultural fusion. Perfect for summer barbecues, dinner parties, or a nourishing weeknight meal, this recipe invites you to explore vibrant tastes and elevate your cooking repertoire. Remember, at Love With Recipes, we believe that cooking should be both joyful and nourishing—this dish embodies that philosophy beautifully.

References

• Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course. (2012). BBC Books.
• Indian Spice Recipes and Techniques. (2020). The Spice House.