Indian-style Green Tomatoes and Vegetables

Indian-style Green Tomatoes and Vegetables Recipe - Vegetarian Delight

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Indian-style Green Tomatoes and Vegetables recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the tangy taste of green tomatoes with a mix of vegetables and aromatic spices. It is a perfect dish for those looking to add more variety to their vegetarian meals.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Indian cuisine, where green tomatoes are often used in dishes for their unique flavor and texture. Green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes that are firm and slightly sour, making them a versatile ingredient in cooking.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp black mustard seeds
1 cup chopped baking potato
1 cup chopped cauliflower
1 cup chopped green tomato
1.5 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground turmeric
0.13 tsp ground red pepper
1 cup water
2 cups hot cooked basmati rice

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the mustard seeds and cook for 1 minute.
Add the potato and the next 7 ingredients (potato through red pepper), stirring until well blended.
Add water and bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potato is tender.
Uncover and cook for 4 minutes or until the liquid evaporates, stirring frequently.
Serve over rice.

Variations

Add chickpeas or tofu for extra protein.
Substitute green tomatoes with red tomatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Include other vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for added texture.

Notes

ChupaNote: Warmed 1 tsp red pepper flakes in the oil before adding other spices. Added: 1 large sweet onion minced, a handful of frozen peas rinsed in hot water (NOT defrosted) when you add the other veggies, add one red bell pepper when you take cover off pot (leaves the pepper crispy. Next time, I'll add a handful of cashews or pistachios.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chop the vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Toasting the mustard seeds before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Serve the dish with a side of yogurt or raita to balance out the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Indian-style Green Tomatoes and Vegetables over hot cooked basmati rice for a complete and filling meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the vegetables in water helps to cook them evenly and infuse them with the flavors of the spices.

- Stirring frequently while cooking ensures that the vegetables are coated in the spice mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or ghee instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.

- Swap out the cauliflower for broccoli or zucchini for a different twist.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dish in a colorful bowl or on a decorative platter for an eye-catching presentation. - Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt for added visual appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of naan bread or roti for a complete Indian meal.

- Serve with a side of cucumber salad or pickles for a refreshing contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying meal option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Summary

This Indian-style Green Tomatoes and Vegetables recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a mix of vegetables, aromatic spices, and tender green tomatoes, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it as a satisfying vegetarian meal or as a side dish to complement your favorite Indian dishes.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had passed down many of her recipes to me, but I was always eager to learn new dishes and expand my culinary skills.

One day, while walking through the bustling market with my grandmother, I stumbled upon a stall selling fresh green tomatoes and an array of colorful vegetables. Intrigued by the vibrant colors and enticing smells, I struck up a conversation with the vendor, an elderly woman with a warm smile and kind eyes.

As we chatted, she mentioned a recipe for Indian-style green tomatoes and vegetables that she had learned from her own grandmother. She described how the tangy tomatoes were cooked with a medley of spices and vegetables to create a delicious and hearty dish that was perfect for any occasion.

I was immediately captivated by the idea of this recipe and begged the vendor to share it with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon huddled together, as she patiently guided me through the steps and techniques needed to create the perfect dish.

The aroma of cumin, coriander, and turmeric filled the air as we chopped, sautéed, and simmered our way to culinary perfection. With each stir of the pot and taste of the simmering sauce, I could feel my confidence growing and my love for cooking deepening.

When the dish was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy our creation together. The first bite was a revelation – the tangy tomatoes, the tender vegetables, and the rich spices all combined to create a burst of flavor that danced on my taste buds.

From that moment on, Indian-style green tomatoes and vegetables became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply to brighten up a weekday meal. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that day in the market, and the kind vendor who had shared her recipe with me.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it uniquely mine. But the essence of the dish – the tangy tomatoes, the fragrant spices, and the comforting vegetables – remains the same, a reminder of where it all began.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for that chance encounter in the market all those years ago. It opened up a world of possibilities and flavors that have enriched my life in ways I could have never imagined.

So, as I ladle out generous servings of Indian-style green tomatoes and vegetables for my loved ones to enjoy, I raise a silent toast to the vendor who shared her recipe with me, and to the power of food to bring people together, across generations and cultures.