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Vegetable Kadai

Vegetable Kadai is a vibrant Indian stir-fry featuring colorful bell peppers, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant spices cooked quickly over high heat. The dish develops a smoky aroma with slightly charred edges, creating a rich, spicy harmony of textures and flavors. It’s a lively, comforting vegetable medley that captures both tradition and boldness in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons oil vegetable or sunflower oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds for tempering
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes ripe, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers mixed colors sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander for garnish
  • 1 splash lemon juice optional, brightens flavor

Equipment

  • Wok or deep skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cumin seeds and cook until they crackle, about 15 seconds.
  2. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden and soften, about 5 minutes, filling the air with a sweet aroma.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly bubbling.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down, releasing juices and oil begins to separate, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and stir well, coating them with the spice mixture. Cook over high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until they develop slight charring and are tender but still vibrant.
  6. Sprinkle in ground coriander, garam masala, and chili powder, stirring to bloom the spices and release their aroma, cooking for another minute.
  7. Check the consistency; if the mixture is too watery, cook a little longer to thicken and develop a glossy, slightly reduced sauce.
  8. Finish by stirring in chopped fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, then remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
  9. Serve hot, ideally with rice or flatbread, enjoying the smoky, spicy aroma and vibrant colors.