Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa

Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa Recipe from Nepal

Region / culture: Nepal | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa is a delicious and nutritious Nepali dish that combines a variety of vegetables with homemade tofu and cheese. This flavorful dish is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

History

Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa is a traditional Nepali dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings, as it is both flavorful and visually appealing. The combination of vegetables, tofu, and cheese creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients

2 cups Nepali homemade cheese, diced (tofu can be used)
2 cups mushroom, sliced
1 cup cauliflower, chopped
1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 cups spinach, cleaned and torn into small pieces
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
5 dry whole red chilies
0.5 cup yogurt
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp ground black pepper
5 tbsp oil
salt
0.5 cup green onion, cut in 1 inch lengths

How to prepare

In a non-stick sauté pan, heat two tablespoons of oil.
Season cheese cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them well on all sides. Transfer to a large plate and set aside.
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch vegetables including cauliflower, mushroom, and red bell pepper for a brief time. Immediately remove and place in an ice bath.
In the same sauté pan, add the remaining three tablespoons of oil. Add turmeric and dry red chilies, and fry until the chilies turn dark and release an earthy flavor.
Add chopped onions and stir constantly until lightly browned. Add garlic and ginger, and fry for a minute or so.
Transfer the browned cheese cubes and lightly blanched vegetables back to the sauté pan, and stir-fry for five minutes over low heat.
Add tomatoes, yogurt, soy sauce, and ground pepper. Mix well and allow to cook for five to eight more minutes, adding a bit of water if necessary.
Finally, add spinach to the cheese-vegetable mixture and gently fold it in to wilt it down. Garnish with green onion. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve with steamed rice.

Variations

Add other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or broccoli for added color and flavor.
Substitute paneer for the homemade tofu for a different texture.
Add a sprinkle of garam masala for a more aromatic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the cheese cubes well on all sides to enhance their flavor.

- Blanching the vegetables before stir-frying helps to retain their vibrant colors and crisp texture.

- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

- Garnish with green onion for a fresh and aromatic finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa with steamed rice for a complete and filling meal. It can also be enjoyed with naan or roti for a different twist.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the vegetables before stir-frying helps to retain their vibrant colors and crisp texture.

- Stir-fry the cheese cubes until they are browned on all sides for added flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought tofu instead of homemade tofu.

- Substitute button mushrooms for sliced mushrooms.

- Use store-bought paneer instead of homemade cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Serve in a decorative bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa pairs well with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese) and soy (soy sauce)

Summary

Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying meal option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Summary

Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is sure to please your taste buds. Packed with vegetables, tofu, and cheese, this dish is a healthy and satisfying meal option for any occasion. Enjoy it with steamed rice or naan for a complete and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa. It was a chilly winter evening, and I had just finished preparing dinner for my family. As I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother, I stumbled upon this unique and intriguing recipe.

The recipe called for a blend of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, and potatoes, all sautéed together with spices and topped with a generous amount of grated cheese. The combination sounded unusual yet delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I decided to make the dish the following day for lunch, and I was eager to see how it would turn out. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and got to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully.

As the vegetables sizzled in the pan, the aroma of the spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I added the cheese at the end, watching as it melted and combined with the vegetables to create a creamy and flavorful mixture.

When I finally sat down to taste the Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The combination of the crunchy vegetables, spicy seasonings, and gooey cheese was simply divine. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a favorite in my household.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but think about how I had come to acquire this recipe. It wasn't from any fancy cooking class or renowned chef. Instead, it was passed down to me by a dear friend who had learned it from her own grandmother.

My friend had invited me over for dinner one evening, and she had prepared this dish for us to enjoy. I was immediately captivated by the unique flavors and textures of the Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa, and I begged her to share the recipe with me.

She smiled and agreed, explaining that this recipe had been in her family for generations. It was a simple yet comforting dish that brought back memories of her childhood and the time spent in her grandmother's kitchen.

I was touched by her willingness to share such a cherished recipe with me, and I vowed to honor it by making it for my own family. And so, from that day on, Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa became a regular feature on our dining table.

As the years passed, I continued to make this dish for my loved ones, passing on the recipe to my children and grandchildren. Each time I prepared it, I would think back to that winter evening when I first discovered the recipe and how it had brought so much joy and satisfaction to my home.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about the journey that led me to learn how to make Mixed Vegetable and Cheese Bhutuwa, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me. These dishes have not only nourished our bodies but also our souls, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. And for that, I am truly thankful.