Introduction:

 

Hey there, I'm Chef Ajay Chopra, and I'm thrilled to welcome you all to my culinary journey. Today's recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its delectable taste but also because of the cherished memories it evokes. You see, there were countless times when my mom, busy with her daily chores, couldn't manage to fetch vegetables from the market. Despite that, she never let it dampen our spirits. Instead, she whipped up something magical with whatever ingredients were available at home. And one such dish was the Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji, a simple yet soul-satisfying creation that reminds me of her love and ingenuity in the kitchen.

 

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Pyaaz Tamatar Ki Sabzi Recipe

 

 

Ingredients of Pyaaz Tamatar Ki Sabzi

 

• 2 tomatoes

• 6-7 onions

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 bay leaf

• 1-inch cinnamon stick

• 4-5 cloves

• 2 green cardamoms

• 1 black cardamom

• 10-12 black peppercorns

• ½ tbsp chopped ginger

• 3-4 garlic cloves

• 1 tbsp cumin seeds

• Water (as required)

• 1 tbsp mustard oil

• ½ tbsp cumin seeds

• ½ tsp asafoetida (hing)

• 2 green chilies

• 5-6 garlic cloves

• 1 ½ tsp salt (divided)

• ½ tbsp turmeric powder

• 1 tbsp red chili powder

• 1 tbsp coriander powder

• 1 tbsp cumin powder

• ½ cup yogurt

• 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi)

• ½ tbsp mixed vegetable spice blend (sabzi masala)

• 2 tbsp cream

• 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

 

Instructions of Pyaaz Tamatar Ki Sabzi

 

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

• Cut some tomatoes in half and dice the rest. Remove the seeds from the diced tomatoes and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Onions

• Cut some onions into dice and keep some whole with cross gashes.

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Step 3: Sauté the Whole Spices

• Heat a pan, add oil, whole peeled onions, bay leaf, cinnamon, green cardamom, black cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Sauté until the onions soften. Remove and set aside.

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Step 4: Cook the Halved Tomatoes

• In the same pan, add the halved tomatoes and cook until slightly soft. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Diced Onions and Spices

• Add diced onions to the pan and cook. Then add chopped ginger, garlic, and cumin seeds. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then add water. Transfer to a blender, grind, and set aside.

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Step 6: Prepare the Base Gravy

• In the same pan, add mustard oil, cumin seeds, asafoetida, green chilies, garlic, and diced onions. Sauté.

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Step 7: Cook the Diced Tomatoes

• Add diced tomatoes, salt, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a plate and set aside.

Step 8: Cook the Ground Paste

• In the same pan, add the ground paste, water, and cook for 5-7 minutes.

Step 9: Add Spices to the Gravy

• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Cook until the gravy thickens.

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Step 10: Add Yogurt and Other Spices

• Add yogurt and cook. Then add dried fenugreek leaves, mixed vegetable spice blend, and cook.

Step 11: Combine and Cook

• Add the cooked tomatoes and onions to the gravy. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes on medium-low heat.

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Step 12: Finish with Cream and Coriander

• Finally, add cream and chopped coriander. Mix well.

• 

Pyaaz Tamatar Ki Sabzi is ready to serve.

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About the Recipe:

 

Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji is not just a dish; it's a reminiscent journey back to the flavors of home-cooked meals and cherished moments spent with loved ones. This traditional North Indian dish is a delightful combination of onions and tomatoes cooked to perfection with aromatic spices. The dish exudes warmth and comfort, making it a favorite among many households. Whether served with piping hot rotis or steamed rice, this sabji never fails to impress with its rustic charm and wholesome taste.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe tomatoes and firm onions to enhance the flavors of the dish.
2. Balancing Spices: Adjust the quantity of spices according to your taste preferences for a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Sautéing Technique: Sauté the onions and tomatoes on medium heat until they turn golden brown for a rich flavor profile.
4. Consistency Matters: Pay attention to the consistency of the gravy; it should be thick and luscious, coating the vegetables evenly.
5. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving to add a burst of freshness to the dish.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

• Roti or Chapati: Pair Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji with freshly made rotis or chapatis for a wholesome meal.
• Steamed Rice: Serve it alongside steamed rice for a comforting lunch or dinner option.
• Paratha: Enjoy this sabji stuffed inside flaky parathas for a delightful twist on a classic combination.
• Naan: Indulge in the richness of this dish by pairing it with soft and fluffy naan bread.

 

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10 Frequently Asked Questions about Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji:

 

1. What is Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji?

   • Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji is a traditional North Indian dish made with onions and tomatoes cooked with aromatic spices.

2. Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?

   • While fresh tomatoes are preferred for their flavor, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute if fresh ones are not available.

3. How long does it take to cook Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji?

   • Typically, this dish takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare, including chopping and cooking time.

4. Is Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji spicy?

   • The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference by controlling the amount of green chilies and red chili powder used.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

   • While the traditional recipe calls for only onions and tomatoes, you can experiment by adding vegetables like capsicum, peas, or potatoes for variation.

6. Is Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji vegan?

   • Yes, this dish is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.

7. How can I store leftovers?

   • Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. It can be stored for up to 2-3 days.

8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

   • Yes, you can prepare Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji in advance and reheat it before serving. Just adjust the consistency with a little water if needed.

9. What can I serve with Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji?

   • This dish pairs well with Indian bread like roti, chapati, naan, or even steamed rice.

10. Is Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji gluten-free?

    • Yes, the basic recipe for Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji is gluten-free. However, be cautious when using store-bought spice blends, as they may contain gluten additives.

 

This concludes our flavorful journey with Pyaaz Tamatar ki Sabji. I hope these tips and answers enhance your cooking experience and bring joy to your dining table. Happy cooking!

 

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