Subzi

Subzi Recipe: Delicious Indian Dish with Green Beans and Tomatoes

Region / culture: India | Servings: 4

Introduction

Subzi is a popular Indian vegetable dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients. This recipe combines fresh peas with a blend of spices to create a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

History

Subzi has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries, with each region putting its own unique twist on the dish. Traditionally, subzi is made with a variety of vegetables, spices, and herbs, making it a versatile and customizable dish that can be adapted to suit any taste preference.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh green beans, cut into 1" lengths or any other vegetable like cauliflower florets, potatoes, carrots, and peas
1" thick piece of ginger, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of water
4 tbsp of vegetable oil
3 tsp of whole cumin seeds
2 tsp of ground coriander seeds
2 medium tomatoes, peeled (put tomatoes in very hot water for a few seconds, peel off the skin and finely chop)
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
lemon juice, to taste
cilantro

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a wide, heavy saucepan over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds.
Stir for 30 seconds.
Pour in the ginger-garlic mixture.
Stir and cook for approximately two minutes.
Add the coriander and stir a few times.
Add the chopped tomatoes.
Stir and cook for 2 minutes while mashing the tomato pieces with the back of a slotted spoon.
Add the vegetables, salt, and one cup of water.
Simmer the mixture.
Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 8 – 10 minutes or until the beans are tender and steamed and the water has been absorbed.
Remove the cover.
Add the lemon juice and a generous amount of freshly ground pepper.
Garnish with cilantro.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Use frozen peas if fresh peas are not available.
Add a pinch of garam masala for a hint of warmth and spice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the cumin seeds until they are fragrant to release their full flavor.

- Be sure to mash the tomato pieces while cooking to create a thick and flavorful sauce.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve subzi with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still retain their shape.

- Covering the saucepan while cooking helps to steam the vegetables and lock in their natural flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or ghee in place of vegetable oil for added richness.

- Substitute green beans or cauliflower for the peas for a different twist on the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Subzi can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve subzi with a side of raita or yogurt for a cooling contrast to the spicy flavors of the dish.

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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of subzi contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of subzi contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of subzi contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of subzi contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Subzi is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Subzi is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Subzi is a delicious and nutritious vegetable dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a blend of spices and fresh peas, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish with your favorite Indian meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Subzi. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had been teaching me the art of cooking since I was old enough to hold a spoon. She had a vast collection of recipes that she had learned from her own mother, as well as from friends and neighbors over the years.

One day, as we were preparing dinner together, my grandmother pulled out a worn and stained piece of paper from her recipe box. She explained that this was a recipe for Subzi, a traditional Indian vegetable dish that was incredibly flavorful and healthy. I was intrigued and excited to learn how to make it.

As we worked together in the kitchen, my grandmother showed me how to chop the vegetables, season them with a blend of spices, and simmer them in a rich tomato-based sauce. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When we finally sat down to eat, I was blown away by the deliciousness of the Subzi. The flavors were complex and harmonious, with just the right amount of heat from the spices. I asked my grandmother where she had learned to make such a wonderful dish, and she told me that she had picked up the recipe from a friend who had learned it from her own grandmother.

From that day on, Subzi became a staple in our household. I would often request it for dinner, and my grandmother was always happy to oblige. As I grew older and started my own family, I made sure to pass the recipe down to my own children, who have now learned to make it themselves.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and additions to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that I am proud to serve to guests and loved ones.

As I reflect on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Subzi, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful cooks who have shared their knowledge and expertise with me. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions, but about infusing love and passion into each dish. I am grateful to have had such amazing teachers in my life, who have inspired me to continue learning and experimenting in the kitchen.

And so, as I prepare to make another batch of Subzi for dinner tonight, I can't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment. The memories of my grandmother teaching me how to make this dish, the aromas that remind me of home, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious with my own hands all come together in a beautiful symphony of flavors and emotions.

I am proud to carry on the tradition of making Subzi, and I look forward to passing it down to future generations. Cooking is not just a skill, but a gift that brings people together and nourishes the soul. And for that, I am forever grateful.