Akh Garlic Sabzi Recipe: Chef Ajay Chopra's Whole Garlic Vegetable Dish

Akh Garlic ki Sabzi, or whole garlic vegetable dish, is a unique and flavorful vegetarian recipe that showcases the surprising versatility of garlic. Often overlooked beyond its use as a seasoning, this recipe elevates whole garlic cloves to the star of the show, transforming them into a subtly sweet and savory delight. Forget the harsh pungency you might expect – this dish balances the garlic's intensity with warming spices and tender vegetables, creating a complex and satisfying culinary experience. The result is a side dish perfect for complementing roti, naan, or even rice.

This recipe, inspired by the culinary expertise of Chef Ajay Chopra, is a testament to the simple elegance achievable with fresh, high-quality ingredients. We'll guide you through each step of preparing this aromatic and flavorful sabzi, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve delicious results. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's delve into the detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Mixer

Ingredients

  • Cloves: 4 pieces
  • Green cardamom: a little
  • Cinnamon: a little
  • Mace: 1 piece
  • Bay leaf: 2 pieces
  • Dried red chili: a little
  • Cumin seeds: a little
  • Asafoetida: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Fenugreek seeds: a little
  • Onion
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Coriander powder
  • Turmeric powder
  • Cumin powder
  • Red chili powder: a little
  • Salt: a little
  • Garam masala: a little
  • Tomatoes: 2-3
  • Mustard oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Build the Base

  • Heat mustard oil in a pan and add cloves, green cardamom, cinnamon, mace, bay leaf, dried red chili, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and fenugreek seeds. Cook for about a minute.
  • Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown (5-6 minutes).
  • Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Heat mustard oil in a pan and add cloves, green cardamom, cinnamon, mace, bay leaf, dried red chili, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and fenugreek seeds. Cook for about a minute.Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown (5-6 minutes).Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
Sauté Aromatics and Build the Base
  • Add fresh tomato puree (made from 2-3 blended tomatoes) and cook until the masala thickens slightly.
  • Add water to prevent burning.
Add fresh tomato puree (made from 2-3 blended tomatoes) and cook until the masala thickens slightly.Add water to prevent burning.
Sauté Aromatics and Build the Base

Step 2. Prepare and Incorporate the Garlic

  • In a separate pan, heat mustard oil and sauté 4-5 whole garlic cloves and 3-4 whole onions.
  • Set aside the sautéed garlic and onions.
  • Add the sautéed garlic to the main gravy and cook for 5-7 minutes on low flame.
In a separate pan, heat mustard oil and sauté 4-5 whole garlic cloves and 3-4 whole onions.Set aside the sautéed garlic and onions.Add the sautéed garlic to the main gravy and cook for 5-7 minutes on low flame.
Prepare and Incorporate the Garlic

Step 3. Finishing Touches and Simmering

  • Add the sautéed onions and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • If needed, add more water to adjust the gravy consistency.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes on low flame until the gravy thickens and the garlic is tender.

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve and enjoy!
Serve and enjoy!
Serve

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Tips

  • The golden brown onions will dissolve nicely into the gravy.
  • Use fresh tomato puree for a better taste and convenience.
  • Cooking the garlic for a longer time ensures its flavor infuses well into the gravy.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 200-250
  • Fat: 10-15g
  • Carbs: 25-30g
  • Protein: 5-7g

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of whole garlic cloves?

No, this recipe specifically relies on the texture and subtle sweetness of roasting whole garlic cloves. Pre-minced garlic will result in a different flavor profile.

2. What can I substitute for the spinach if I don't have it?

Other greens like kale, mustard greens, or even fenugreek leaves can be used as substitutes. Adjust cooking time depending on the vegetable's tenderness.

3. How can I store leftover Akh Garlic Sabzi?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature.


This Akh Garlic Sabzi recipe, inspired by Chef Ajay Chopra, offers a unique and flavorful vegetarian dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The subtle sweetness of the roasted garlic perfectly complements the other vegetables, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience. Enjoy this delightful side dish with your favorite breads or rice, and savor the surprising deliciousness of whole garlic!