Spicy and full of flavor, Veg Kolhapuri is a curry dish that hails from the Indian city of Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra. The dish’s thick, fragrant sauce and variety of veggies cooked with a combination of spices make it famous for being tasty and filling.
In a skillet, heat the oil and add entire spices, such as cinnamon, cumin seeds, and cloves, to unleash their flavors. This is the first step in making vegetable kolhapuri. Sauté the onions until they get a golden brown color, then add the finely chopped onions.
After that, simmer until aromatic, then add ginger and minced garlic, along with hot green chilies. After that, throw in some chopped tomatoes and let them soften while making a thick gravy.
Toss in some chopped potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, bell peppers, and green beans when the tomatoes have reduced in size. Coat the veggies with the spicy gravy by stirring them thoroughly.
Now, put a mixture of ground spices into the pan, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, and red chili powder. Add a splash of water to make a thick sauce. Once the veggies are soft and cooked, cover the pan and simmer for a while.
For a tasty and filling dinner, top the cooked veggies with chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot over steaming rice or roti. With a plethora of fragrant and spicy tastes, Veg Kolhapuri is a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy both meat eaters and vegans.
Veg Kolhapuri Recipe
Ingredients
For Veg Kolhapuri:
- 2 cups Mixed vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, peas
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 2 Tomatoes finely chopped
- 2 Green chilies slit lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1/4 cup Fresh coconut grated (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon Kolhapuri masala or garam masala
- 1 tablespoon Red chili powder adjust to taste
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. You can use a combination of cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, peas, or any other vegetables of your choice.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and form a thick paste.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and mix well with the onion-tomato mixture.
Step 3: Add Spices and Coconut
- Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, Kolhapuri masala or garam masala, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well to combine.
- If using fresh coconut, add grated coconut to the pan and mix well with the vegetables.
Step 4: Simmer and Garnish
- Pour water into the pan to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
Step 5: Serve Hot
- Transfer the Veg Kolhapuri to a serving dish.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan bread, and enjoy the spicy and flavorful goodness of this traditional Maharashtrian dish.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Kolhapuri Masala: Kolhapuri masala is a blend of aromatic spices commonly used in Maharashtrian cuisine. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or make your own by grinding together dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices.
- Spice Level: Adjust the quantity of red chili powder according to your preference for spice. Veg Kolhapuri is meant to be spicy, but you can reduce the amount of chili powder for a milder version.
- Make-Ahead Option: Veg Kolhapuri tastes even better when prepared in advance and allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together. Reheat gently before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Veg Kolhapuri with a side of yogurt, pickle, or salad for a complete meal.
Last but not least, Veg Kolhapuri is an ode to the spicy cuisine and lively traditions of India’s Maharashtra state. This dish perfectly captures the spirit of Maharashtrian cuisine with its fragrant and spicy sauce and a rainbow of vibrant veggies. Veg Kolhapuri will take your taste senses on a journey to the streets of Kolhapur, whether you eat it alone or with your favorite grain or bread.