Making a delicious veg curry at home is quite simple and can be customized to your taste. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
### Ingredients:
- **Vegetables**: Choose a mix of your favorites. Common choices include:
- Potatoes (2, diced)
- Carrots (2, sliced)
- Peas (1 cup)
- Cauliflower (1 small head, cut into florets)
- Bell peppers (2, chopped)
- Green beans (1 cup, chopped)
- **Onions**: 2, finely chopped
- **Tomatoes**: 2, pureed
- **Garlic**: 3-4 cloves, minced
- **Ginger**: 1-inch piece, minced
- **Green chilies**: 1-2, slit (optional)
- **Coconut milk or cream**: 1 cup (optional for a creamier curry)
- **Oil or ghee**: 2-3 tablespoons
### Spices:
- **Cumin seeds**: 1 teaspoon
- **Turmeric powder**: 1/2 teaspoon
- **Coriander powder**: 1 teaspoon
- **Garam masala**: 1 teaspoon
- **Red chili powder**: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- **Salt**: to taste
- **Fresh cilantro**: for garnish
### Instructions:
1. **Prep the Vegetables**: - Wash, peel, and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Cook the Base**: - Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. - Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. - Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. - Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Spices**: - Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture. - Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
4. **Cook the Vegetables**: - Add the chopped vegetables to the pan and mix well to coat them with the spice mixture. - Add a little water (about 1 cup) to help the vegetables cook. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent sticking.
5. **Finish the Curry**: - Once the vegetables are cooked, add coconut milk or cream if using. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. - Add garam masala and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: - Garnish with fresh cilantro. - Serve hot with rice, naan, or any bread of your choice.
### Tips:
- You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer. - For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of cashews or almonds while cooking the base. - Adjust the spice levels to your preference.
