Veg Handi, a rich and creamy North Indian-style

Veg Handi Recipe

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

---

🛒 Ingredients

Vegetables (chopped and parboiled or lightly sautéed):

• Carrot – ½ cup, diced

• Green beans – ½ cup, chopped

• Cauliflower – ½ cup, florets

• Green peas – ¼ cup

• Bell pepper (capsicum) – ¼ cup, chopped

• Potato – ½ cup, diced

• Paneer – 100g, cubed and lightly fried (optional)

For Gravy Base:

• Onion – 2 medium, finely chopped

• Tomato – 2 large, pureed

• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp

• Cashew nuts – 8 to 10 (soaked for 15 mins, then blended into a paste)

• Fresh cream – 3 tbsp (or substitute with cashew paste for vegan version)

• Yogurt/Curd – ¼ cup, whisked (optional for extra tang)

Spices:

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1½ tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – 1 tsp, crushed

• Salt – to taste

Whole Spices (optional but recommended):

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Bay leaf – 1

• Cloves – 2

• Green cardamom – 2

• Cinnamon – 1 small stick

Other:

• Oil or ghee – 2 tbsp

• Butter – 1 tbsp (optional, for richness)

• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

• Water – 1 cup (adjust as needed)

---

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop all vegetables uniformly.

2. Boil or steam them until 80% cooked (do not overcook).

3. Optionally, shallow fry paneer cubes and soak them in warm water to keep them soft.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat oil/ghee in a handi or heavy-bottomed pan.

2. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon.

3. Once aromatic, add chopped onions. Sauté until golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Masala

1. Add ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until raw smell disappears.

2. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.

3. Stir in turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.

4. Add cashew paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.

5. Mix in whisked yogurt (if using) and cook until well combined.

Step 4: Cook the Curry

1. Add 1 cup water to adjust consistency.

2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick and flavorful.

3. Add parboiled vegetables and paneer. Mix gently.

4. Cover and cook on low for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Herbs

1. Add fresh cream and mix well.

2. Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi.

3. Cook for another 2 minutes.

---

🌿 Garnish & Serve

• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream or butter.

• Serve hot with naan, roti, paratha, or jeera rice.

---

💡 Tips

• For a smoky flavor, place a piece of hot charcoal in a bowl, put it in the curry, add ghee on top, cover with a lid for 2 minutes, then remove.

• Can be made entirely vegan by skipping cream/butter/paneer and using plant-based alternatives.

• You can add mushrooms or baby corn for variation.