Nawabi Mixed Vegetable Gravy Recipe (North Indian Style)
Nawabi Mixed Vegetable Gravy is a luxurious, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines a variety of fresh vegetables with a rich and aromatic spice blend. This recipe is perfect for a festive meal or a special family dinner. It offers a unique blend of spices and textures, making it a satisfying accompaniment to flatbreads like phulka or roti, or even with steamed rice. The use of ghee, cashews, and aromatic spices adds a royal touch to this dish, fitting for its ‘Nawabi’ name.
Ingredients for Nawabi Mixed Vegetable Gravy
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | 1/2 cup |
| Green Beans (cut to 1-inch) | 1/4 cup |
| Carrots (cut) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Peas | 1/4 cup |
| Bay Leaf | 1 |
| Cloves (long) | 3 |
| Cinnamon Stick (1-inch) | 1 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 |
| Green Chili (slit in the middle) | 1 |
| Coriander Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander (for garnish) | A few sprigs (finely chopped) |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Cashews (soaked) | 10 |
| Onion (soaked) | 1 |
| Tomato | 1 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (2-inch piece) | 1 |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 kcal |
| Protein | 3-4g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 150-200mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Lunch / Dinner
Cuisine: North Indian
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Nawabi Mixed Vegetable Gravy
-
Soak Cashews and Onions:
Start by soaking the cashews and one chopped onion in warm water for 2 minutes. Drain the water, and set both aside for later use. -
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
In a blender, add the soaked cashews and onion, along with one chopped tomato, 3 garlic cloves, a 2-inch piece of ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds. Add a little water to help blend the ingredients into a smooth paste. Set this paste aside. -
Cook the Whole Spices:
Heat ghee in a large pan (kadhai). Once the ghee is hot, add 1 bay leaf, 3 cloves, and a 1-inch cinnamon stick. Allow the whole spices to sizzle and cook for about 15 seconds, releasing their aromatic fragrance. -
SautΓ© Onions and Tomatoes:
Add 1 chopped onion to the pan and sautΓ© it until it turns golden brown. Then, add the chopped tomato and cook for a few minutes until the tomato softens and becomes mushy. -
Add Chopped Vegetables:
Now, add the chopped cabbage, green beans, carrots, and green peas to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the vegetables to mix well with the spices and onions. -
Season the Vegetables:
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon garam masala powder over the vegetables. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Add salt to taste, along with 1/2 cup of water. Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender. -
Add the Spice Paste:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the ground spice paste (prepared earlier) to the pan. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the paste is evenly mixed with the cooked vegetables. -
Simmer and Final Adjustments:
Add additional salt if necessary, and cook for an additional 10 minutes on a low flame to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. -
Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat once the dish has cooked through. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the Nawabi Mixed Vegetable Gravy hot with Gujarati dal, phulka, and a side salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations
- Richness: For an extra-rich flavor, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream to the gravy before garnishing.
- Spiciness: Adjust the green chili and red chili powder according to your heat preference. You can also add a dash of black pepper for an additional kick.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add other seasonal vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or even pumpkin.
- Nuts and Seeds: You can substitute cashews with almonds or pistachios for a different flavor profile. Ground seeds like melon or pumpkin can also be added to enhance the texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Nawabi Mixed Vegetable Gravy pairs beautifully with soft, fluffy phulka, crispy roti, or naan. It also goes well with jeera rice or steamed basmati rice for a complete and balanced meal. The richness of the gravy complements the freshness of a simple cucumber and tomato salad.
This Nawabi Mixed Vegetable Gravy is a perfect example of how North Indian cuisine can combine simple ingredients and spices to create something truly special. The use of ghee, cashews, and a mix of aromatic spices makes this dish a luxurious option for any meal, whether it’s a family dinner or a celebration.
