Mixed Vegetable Masala - Eastern Indian dish

Mixed Vegetable Masala

Introduction
This is an Eastern Indian dish. It is a basic but delicious mixed vegetable masala using spices, chopped vegetables and tomatoes. The vegetables used can be varied according too taste and seasonality. Serve with rice as a main dish.

Ingredients
(serves 4-6)

Main Ingredients:

6 tablespoons sunflower oil
6 fresh green chillies, chopped
12 garlic cloves, crushed
1 onion, thinly sliced
5cm/2 inch piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into quarters lengthwise then chopped
2 medium courgettes, cut into quarters lengthwise then chopped
125g/4oz long green beans, cut into thirds
450b/1lb white cabbage, cut into 2.5 cm /1 inch squares
225g/8oz green peas (fresh or frozen)
225g / 8 oz tomatoes, chopped
Handful of fresh chopped coriander stalks, reserve leaves for garnish
2 tablespoons tomato puree


Spices:

2 teaspoons Natco Black Mustard Seeds
2 teaspoons Natco Cumin Seeds
2 teaspoons Natco Coriander Seeds
1 teaspoon Natco Turmeric

Method

1. Get the oil very hot in a large frying pan, then fry - in this order - the mustard seeds, cumin, coriander, chillies, garlic, onion, ginger and turmeric, adding each in rapid succession so the seeds have enough time to pop without burning.

2. When the onion begins to soften, add all the remaining vegetables except the tomatoes, together with the coriander stalks, and fry for a few minutes, until the cabbage begins to brown and the other vegetables soften.

3. Add the tomatoes and cook for 1 minute more. Add the tomato puree and reduce the heat, adding a little water to allow the vegetables to simmer until cooked. Serve with rice and garnish with coriander leaves.