Kadai Broccoli Masala Recipe
Broccoli Cooked with Indian Spices
Description
A delightful twist on the traditional North Indian Kadai masala, the Kadai Broccoli Masala brings the goodness of broccoli to a flavorful, spiced gravy. This easy-to-make dish is bursting with vibrant flavors from freshly ground spices, making it an excellent addition to your weekday meals. The broccoli remains crunchy, perfectly cooked with the richness of a spicy tomato-based gravy. Whether paired with flatbreads or rice, this dish is a true treat for your taste buds.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | 500 grams, cut into florets |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, diced |
| Onion | 1, roughly chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, pureed |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1, whole |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Cook the Broccoli:
Start by preparing the broccoli. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets along with 5 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine. Cover the pan and cook the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes, just until it’s al dente (about 70% cooked). Ensure the broccoli remains crunchy, so avoid overcooking. Keep the remaining water in the pan. Set aside. -
Prepare the Kadai Masala:
In another pan, dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the spices release their fragrance. Once done, remove the pan from heat and add the crushed kasuri methi. Stir it in quickly, then set the mixture aside to cool. Once cool, transfer it to a spice grinder or mixer and grind into a coarse powder. -
Make the Gravy:
In the same heavy-bottomed pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. Sautรฉ for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and transparent. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the diced red bell pepper (capsicum) to the pan along with a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes until the capsicum softens. Now, add the pureed tomatoes and the black cardamom (badi elaichi). Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to thicken and cook down. -
Add the Spices:
Add the prepared kadai masala powder, garam masala, and red chilli powder to the pan. Stir well to incorporate the spices into the tomato mixture. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes so the spices release their flavors. -
Combine Broccoli with Gravy:
Once the masala mixture begins to boil, add the cooked broccoli florets along with the water from the cooking process. Stir gently to coat the broccoli with the gravy. Cover the pan and cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Adjustments:
After 3 minutes, taste and adjust the salt and spices as needed. If you’d like a more intense flavor, feel free to add more garam masala or red chilli powder according to your preference. -
Serve:
Once everything is well combined and heated through, your Kadai Broccoli Masala is ready to serve! This dish pairs wonderfully with Tawa Paratha or Boondi Raita for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Kadai Broccoli Masala:
- To maintain the broccoli’s crunch, ensure it is not overcooked during the initial sautรฉing process.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chilli powder and garam masala.
- For a more intense flavor, add a splash of lemon juice before serving to enhance the taste.
- If you like your gravy thicker, you can cook the tomatoes for a longer time or reduce the water content.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Conclusion:
Kadai Broccoli Masala is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s both easy to make and packed with vibrant spices. It’s the perfect dish for a quick and delicious weekday lunch or dinner. The unique combination of broccoli and aromatic Indian spices offers a twist on the traditional Kadai curry. So, whether you’re a broccoli lover or new to the vegetable, this dish will surely delight your taste buds. Enjoy it with your favorite Indian flatbreads or rice and relish the goodness of healthy, flavorful vegetables in a spicy gravy!
