Easy
4β5
Published 2018
Vegetable jalfrezi is said to have originated in India during the time of the British Raj. Once a creative way to use up leftovers, it has since evolved into a flavourful and texture-rich dish β a popular Indian restaurant menu item. Try this recipe with a mixture of vegies, or highlight just one or two. Either way, vegetable jalfrezi will add a colourful splash to your plate.
Bring a saucepan of water to the boil, and have a bowl of iced water at the ready.
Add the salt and ground turmeric to the pan of boiling water. Add the cauliflower and carrot and boil for 3 minutes. Strain the vegetables, then immediately drop them into the iced water to stop the cooking process. Drain for 1β2 minutes, then set aside.
In a non-stick frying pan, dry-roast the coriander seeds over low heat for about 5 minutes, until they start to dance in the pan, being sure to stir them often so they donβt burn. Tip onto a small plate, leave to cool, then grind using a mortar and pestle. Set aside.
Heat the rice bran oil in the same pan. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2β3 minutes, or until lightly golden. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the oil separates from the sauce.
Stir in the capsicum and peas and cook for 2β3 minutes. Now add the blanched cauliflower and carrots, along with the reserved ground coriander, the garam masala and chilli powder, if using. Mix well, and season to taste with salt.
Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender, but still retain their crunch, sprinkling a little water over them occasionally so that the spices donβt burn.
Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for a final 1β2 minutes. Stir in a splash of lemon or lime juice, to taste.
Serve hot, with rice, roti, chapatti or naan.
Β© 2018 All rights reserved. Published by Murdoch Books.