Masala Veg with Fresh Fenugreek

ingredients

Here's what you need :¬)

serves 4

1/2 a medium cauliflower broken down into florettes
100g green beans cut into 3cm pieces
2 small onions peeled & roughly chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp sesame seeds
1 tsp extra hot chilli powder
1 tsp garlic pulp
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 tsp table salt
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 tomato cut into 8
1 bunch fresh fenegreek leaves*
4 Tbsp chopped fresh coriander
1 Tbsp lemon juice

*You will need to pick every leaf off the stalks of fenegreek & discard the storks, unlike coriander you can not use all of it. This herb can be found in reputable Indian & Chinese shops usually around early spring in the UK.

method

Start this recipe in the morning using an electric steamer. Place the cauliflower in the bottom layer and the beans in the top layer. Steam for 27 minutes*** until just tender, then immediately transfer them to ice-cold water. Once cooled, drain and set aside until completely dry. Ideally, let them air dry until the evening, but if needed, pat them dry with a teatowel before use.

***Note: Just steam the cauliflower until its cooked to your liking as it's not going to soften much more when you prepare the final dish. Timing just depends on the cauli' and your steamer!

To make life easier on myself I prepare and get everything ready in advance. This makes the cooking process much more enjoyable and less stressful. I also find that I can concentrate on the aroma's and enjoy the experience:

Roughly chop both onions and measure your spices:- 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp sesame seeds, 1 tsp extra hot chilli powder, 1 tsp garlic pulp, 1/4 tsp turmeric & 1 tsp table salt
Now place everything into a mini chopper bowl or blender and blitz until a paste forms

masala paste — blitz until a paste forms

Heat a large sauce pan and add 2 Tablespoons of oil
Once it shimmers add your paste - stir occassionally for roughly 5 minutes

masala paste in hot oil — add masala to hot oil

as soon as the oil disappears into the paste it is cooked enough for this stage

fried masala paste — fry for about 5 mins

Add your cauliflower & beans stir into the paste

cauli and beans added to masala — add cauli & beans

masala paste coated veg — stir into the paste

Add 1 bunch fresh fenegreek leaves & 4 Tbsp fresh chopped coriander

fenugreek added to veg — add fenugreek & coriander

Add 1 sliced tomato

tomatoes added to veg — add sliced tomato

stir to combine for 5 minutes & add lemon juice right at the end

masala veg in a pan — stir for 5 mins then add lemon juice

masala veg with fresh fenugreek — transfer to serving dish

Serving suggestion:

indian dinner on a plate — Tandoori chicken grill

Masala vegetables with fresh fenegreek served with Tandoori Chicken Grill & Spicy Masala Potatoes for any night of the week, on it's own or paired with perfect partners. This is a Nutty's style mid-week dinner ;-)