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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Recipe of Sabz Bhuna 

 

Portion Servings: 5-6 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 238 kcal per portion 

 

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 pcs Green chilli
• 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
• ½ tbsp Garlic, chopped
• 2 pcs Green chilli
• ½ tbsp Ginger
• 1 tbsp Kasoori methi
• 1 cup Paneer

 

 

Method:

 

Step 1: Sautéing the Base

1. Heat oil in a pan, add jeera, and let it splutter.
2. Sauté chopped onions until golden brown.
3. Add ginger & garlic paste and sauté until the raw aroma disappears.
4. Add salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Continue sautéing to blend the spices well.
5. Pour in curd and cook until it releases oil, ensuring a creamy texture.
6. Incorporate green chillies and tomato puree, cooking for 5-6 minutes over medium heat to create a flavorful base.

Step 2: Sautéing the Blanched Vegetables

1. Add blanched cauliflower, carrots, French beans, baby corn, and capsicum to the prepared base.
2. Sauté the vegetables, allowing them to absorb the delicious flavors.
3. Pour in water and cook the vegetables until tender yet crisp.

Step 3: Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)

1. In a separate pan, heat oil, add jeera, and let it crackle.
2. Add green chillies, chopped garlic, chopped ginger, and kasoori methi. Sauté them to release their aromatic essence.

Step 4: Bringing it all Together

1. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the prepared tadka and cook them together over medium-high flame.
2. Add paneer to the mix and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it absorbs the flavors without becoming too soft.

Step 5: Serving

1. Your Subz Bhuna is now ready to serve. Enjoy this delectable dish with rice, roti, or naan for a flavorful meal.

 

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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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