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Veg Kolhapuri with Tomatoes

This Veg Kolhapuri features a fiery, tomato-based curry made by sautéing chopped tomatoes with aromatic spices and vegetables. The dish is cooked until the tomatoes break down into a vibrant, slightly chunky sauce with a bold, complex flavor profile. The final curry has a rich, bright appearance with a thick consistency, bursting with spice and tang.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup chopped onions finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes chopped
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder for color and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds for tempering
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala for depth of flavor
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, potatoes
  • to taste salt for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the cumin seeds and toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant, listening for a slight crackling sound.
  3. Stir in the chopped onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn translucent and start to golden around the edges, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant and the mixture becomes aromatic.
  5. Drop in the chopped tomatoes and cook, stirring frequently, until they soften and release juices, about 8-10 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly and turn a rich red color.
  6. Add red chili powder, turmeric, and salt, stirring well to coat the tomato mixture evenly with the spices.
  7. Mix in the chopped vegetables, then pour in a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld.
  8. Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and stir to combine, allowing the spices to deepen the flavor for another 2 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then turn off the heat and garnish generously with chopped cilantro.
  10. Serve the vibrant tomato-based Veg Kolhapuri hot with steamed rice or Indian bread for a comforting, spicy meal.

Notes

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability or preference. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste, adding more red chili for extra heat.