Kadai Broccoli Masala Recipe: Broccoli Cooked with Indian Spices
Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with our Kadai Broccoli Masala, a vibrant and flavorful dish that transforms humble broccoli into a spicy, aromatic masterpiece. This North Indian recipe harmoniously blends the crunchy texture of broccoli with an array of spices, making it a perfect main course that pairs beautifully with Tawa Paratha and Boondi Raita. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this vegetarian dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and enticing aroma.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli (cut into small florets) | 500 grams |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 (diced) |
| Onion (roughly chopped) | 1 |
| Tomatoes (pureed) | 2 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Salt (to taste) | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Main Course
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
To begin making the Kadai Broccoli Masala, the first step involves preparing the broccoli. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium flame and add a teaspoon of sunflower oil. Introduce the broccoli florets along with about 5 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Mix well, cover the pan, and allow the broccoli to cook until it reaches an al dente texture—about 70% cooked. It is essential not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain crunchy. Once done, set it aside without draining any remaining water.
Next, in a separate pan, add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds to prepare the Kadai masala powder. Dry roast these spices over medium heat for about 5 minutes until their fragrant aroma fills the kitchen. Once roasted, switch off the heat and stir in the crushed kasuri methi. Allow this mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a mixer jar. Grind the roasted spices into a coarse powder and set it aside for later use.
Now, return to the heavy-bottomed pan. Add the remaining sunflower oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the chopped onions, along with the finely chopped ginger and garlic. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn soft and transparent, which should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
When the onions and ginger-garlic blend is well-cooked, introduce the diced red bell pepper and a pinch of salt, cooking for another 2 minutes until the bell pepper softens slightly. Next, add the pureed tomatoes and the black cardamom to the pan, stirring well to combine. Cook this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to thicken and meld with the spices.
At this stage, sprinkle in the prepared Kadai masala powder, along with garam masala and red chilli powder. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices coat the vegetables evenly. Once the mixture comes to a gentle boil, add the previously prepared broccoli florets. Give everything a quick stir, cover the pan, and allow it to cook for an additional 3 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
Before serving, taste the Kadai Broccoli Masala and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference. This dish can be served warm alongside freshly made Tawa Paratha and a cooling side of Boondi Raita, making for a wholesome and satisfying meal that embodies the rich flavors of Indian cuisine.
Enjoy your delicious Kadai Broccoli Masala and share the experience with your family and friends!
