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Vegetable Kadai

Vegetable Kadai is a vibrant, aromatic Indian stir-fry featuring a medley of fresh vegetables cooked in a fragrant, spiced gravy. The dish is made by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger, then simmering colorful vegetables with toasted spices until tender and coated in a rich sauce. Its final appearance is a beautiful, colorful mixture with a glossy, flavorful coating, perfect for serving with naan or rice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup chopped onions about 1 medium onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers any colors you like
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes ripe and fragrant
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or carrots
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 tablespoons oil neutral oil or ghee
  • to taste salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large wok or deep skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Bowl

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients and prep vegetables by chopping onions, mincing garlic and ginger, and dicing tomatoes and bell peppers.
  2. Heat the oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until they turn golden and release a sweet aroma, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture smells pungent and fragrant, with a slight sizzle.
  5. Add the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and mixed vegetables to the pan, stirring well to coat everything in the aromatic base.
  6. Cook the mixture on medium heat for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the tomatoes break down into a fragrant, slightly thick sauce.
  7. Sprinkle in the turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala, then toast the spices in the hot oil for about 30 seconds while stirring to deepen their aroma.
  8. Season with salt to taste, then cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
  9. Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped cilantro, and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes to enhance the flavors.
  10. Serve hot with naan or rice, spooning the vibrant, fragrant vegetable mixture onto your plate for a comforting, colorful meal.