Introduction

 

Discovering the flavors of Sabz Bhuna was like stumbling upon a treasure trove of taste sensations. I still remember the first time I tried this dish at a small roadside eatery during a trip to northern India. The aroma of spices wafted through the air as the chef skillfully cooked the vegetables on an open flame, infusing them with smoky goodness. One bite, and I was hooked! The medley of vegetables, perfectly balanced spices, and the unmistakable smoky flavor created a culinary experience like no other. Since then, Sabz Bhuna has become a regular feature in my kitchen, reminding me of that memorable roadside meal every time I prepare it.

 

 

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Ingredients:
 

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp Oil
• 1 tsp Jeera (Cumin seeds)
• 1½ cup Onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp Ginger & garlic paste
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Turmeric powder
• ½ tsp Red chilli powder
• 2 tsp Coriander powder
• ½ cup Curd
• 2-3 Green chillies
• 1 cup Tomato puree

Blanched Vegetables:

• 1 cup Cauliflower
• ½ cup Carrot
• ½ cup French beans
• ½ cup Baby corn
• ½ cup Capsicum (Red/Yellow/Green)
• Water, as required

Tadka (Tempering):

• 1 tbsp Oil
• ½ tsp Jeera (Cumin seeds)
• ½ tbsp Garlic, chopped
• 2 Green chillies
• ½ tbsp Ginger, chopped
• 1 tbsp Kasoori methi (Dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 cup Paneer, cubed

 

 

Instructions:
 

Step 1: Sautéing the Base

Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
Sauté chopped onions until they turn golden brown.
Add ginger & garlic paste and continue sautéing until the raw aroma disappears.
Mix in salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Stir the spices well to blend.
Pour in curd and cook until the oil separates, achieving a creamy texture.
Add green chillies and tomato puree, then cook for 5-6 minutes on medium heat to build a flavorful base.

Step 2: Sautéing the Blanched Vegetables

Add the blanched cauliflower, carrots, French beans, baby corn, and capsicum to the sautéed base.
Cook the vegetables, allowing them to absorb the spice flavors.
Add water as needed and cook until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.

Step 3: Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)

In a separate pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Let them crackle.
Add green chillies, chopped garlic, chopped ginger, and kasoori methi, sautéing until aromatic.

Step 4: Bringing it All Together

Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the pan with the prepared tadka.
Cook everything together on medium-high heat.
Add paneer cubes and cook for an additional minute, ensuring they absorb the flavors without becoming too soft.

Step 5: Serving

Your Sabz Bhuna is now ready. Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan for a complete and satisfying meal.

 

 

About the Recipe

 

Sabz Bhuna is a popular North Indian dish that features an assortment of mixed vegetables cooked with aromatic spices and finished with a hint of smokiness. The term "Bhuna" refers to the cooking technique of sautéing the vegetables over low heat until they are well-browned and flavorful. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, as it is packed with the goodness of various vegetables and spices. Sabz Bhuna is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or served as a side dish with roti, naan, or rice.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Prep the Vegetables: Ensure that all the vegetables are washed, peeled, and chopped uniformly for even cooking.
2. Low and Slow Cooking: Allow the vegetables to cook slowly over low heat to develop their flavors and achieve the desired texture.
3. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices or whole spices that are toasted and ground just before cooking.
4. Add Yogurt for Creaminess: To add richness and creaminess to the dish, you can stir in some plain yogurt towards the end of cooking.
5. Adjust Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can make the dish milder or spicier by varying the quantity of chili powder and green chilies.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

• Roti or Naan: Serve Sabz Bhuna with hot rotis or naan bread for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Steamed Rice: Pair Sabz Bhuna with steamed rice or jeera rice for a comforting and filling combination.
• Pulao: Enjoy Sabz Bhuna with fragrant pulao for a flavorful and aromatic meal experience.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sabz Bhuna

 

1. Is Sabz Bhuna a spicy dish?
   • Sabz Bhuna can be customized to suit your spice preferences. You can adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies to make it mild or spicy.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables for Sabz Bhuna?
   • Yes, you can use frozen vegetables for Sabz Bhuna. However, fresh vegetables will provide better flavor and texture.
3. Is Sabz Bhuna a vegan dish?
   • Yes, Sabz Bhuna is a vegan dish as it does not contain any animal products.
4. Can I add paneer to Sabz Bhuna?
   • Yes, you can add paneer cubes to Sabz Bhuna for added richness and protein.
5. What is the origin of Sabz Bhuna?
   • Sabz Bhuna originates from North India, where it is a popular vegetarian dish enjoyed in households and restaurants alike.
6. Can I make Sabz Bhuna in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare Sabz Bhuna in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it before serving.
7. Is Sabz Bhuna a healthy dish?
   • Yes, Sabz Bhuna is a healthy dish as it is made with a variety of vegetables and minimal oil.
8. Can I make Sabz Bhuna without onions and garlic?
   • Yes, you can omit onions and garlic from Sabz Bhuna if you prefer. You can still achieve delicious flavors using other spices and seasonings.
9. What other vegetables can I add to Sabz Bhuna?
   • You can add vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, or potatoes to Sabz Bhuna for variety and nutrition.
10. Can I garnish Sabz Bhuna with fresh herbs?
    • Yes, you can garnish Sabz Bhuna with freshly chopped coriander leaves or mint leaves for added freshness and flavor.

 

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