Craving a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian meal that's both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than this Creamy Smoky Tandoori Veggies & Spinach Rice recipe! We're taking the classic tandoori flavors and transforming them into a creamy, dreamy vegetable dish, perfectly complemented by a side of fluffy, nutritious spinach rice. This recipe is bursting with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, creating a rich and complex taste experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine tender vegetables bathed in a luscious, smoky sauce, paired with the earthy goodness of spinach rice – a culinary symphony in every bite.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy preparation times; this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. The perfectly balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish a versatile option, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend gathering. Ready to embark on this flavorful culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this incredible Tandoori Veggies & Spinach Rice together!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Whisk
- Mixer grinder
- Wok
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables and Creamy Tandoori Sauce
- Boil baby corn, mix bell peppers, and blanch broccoli.
- Toss vegetables with chilli flakes and set aside.
- Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour until sandy.
- Gradually whisk in milk in three additions, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add tandoori spices (Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, dried mango powder, black pepper, roasted fenugreek leaves, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and freshly ground black pepper).
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until spices are cooked through.
- Add burning coal with ghee, cover, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to create a smoky flavor.
- Add sauteed vegetables to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Adjust salt and add freshly chopped coriander.
Step 2. Create the Smoky Flavor
- Add burning coal with ghee, cover, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to create a smoky flavor.
Step 3. Prepare the Spinach Rice
- Blanch spinach for 15-20 seconds, then immediately plunge into ice water to preserve color.
- Blend spinach with mint leaves, coriander leaves, and green chillies into a paste.
- Heat oil and butter in a wok, sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add spinach paste, sugar, and red chilli flakes. Cook for 4 minutes.
- Stir in cooked basmati rice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
Read more: Spicy Tava Pulao Recipe: Easy Indian Rice Dish
Tips
- Don't overcook vegetables; keep them crunchy.
- Whisk milk vigorously to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Serve tandoori veggies with garlic bread or pasta.
- For a healthier version, use olive oil instead of butter and wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen vegetables work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the tandoori sauce to prevent them from becoming watery.
2. What type of rice is best for the spinach rice?
Basmati rice is ideal for its long grains and fluffy texture, which pairs well with the spinach and creamy sauce. Long-grain white rice is also a good substitute.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tandoori vegetables and spinach rice separately a day in advance and reheat them gently before serving. The flavors will actually deepen overnight!
This Creamy Smoky Tandoori Veggies and Spinach Rice recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, guaranteed to become a new family favorite. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for a busy weeknight, while the impressive taste makes it suitable for any special occasion. Enjoy the vibrant colors and satisfying taste of this healthy and delicious vegetarian meal!