You often do not want to put in the effort that cooking requires but still want to have something delicious late at night. Luckily, some dishes from the states of Rajasthan and Punjab are loaded with flavours and use almost no vegetables.
Some indispensable veggies, like onions, ginger, and garlic, can rarely be left out of food if one cooks food without other vegetables. Both these states are among the major agricultural states in India and have a large population of farmers. With adverse weather conditions and a lack of fresh and delicate vegetables, preparing food without them is more of a necessity than a choice.
However, a lack of ingredients should never be why your food becomes flavourless. So, here are some delicious recipes you can make in no time.
8 Curry Without Vegetables To Try
1. Papad ki Sabji
It is one of the easiest dishes to prepare when running out of vegetables and can be made in yoghurt/tomato-based gravy. For this dish, papads are roasted or fried until they puff up and become crispy, and then they are crumbled or broken into smaller pieces. The crushed papads are then sauteed with a medley of spices, often including mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chilli powder, and aromatic ingredients like curry leaves and asafoetida. The result is a crunchy and tangy dish that serves as a tasty accompaniment or side dish in Indian meals.
2. Sev Bhaji
Sev Bhaji is a popular street food dish in India, particularly in Maharashtra. It is best enjoyed with pav or as an accompaniment to rice, making it a satisfying and flavourful vegetarian meal. It's enjoyed for its unique combination of textures and bold flavours. It consists of a spicy and tangy curry with various vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, cooked in a flavorful blend of mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric.
3. Mangori Ki Sabji
This is a popular North Indian dish originating from Rajasthan and is prepared with mango, which is sun-dried vaidya or lentil dumplings made from moong dal. These dumplings are simmered in a spicy and flavourful tomato-based gravy with cumin, coriander, and turmeric, creating a satisfying and hearty vegetarian curry.
4. Boondi Ki Sabji
This popular North Indian delicacy is prepared using the boondi one often uses to prepare Raita. It is prepared by soaking the boondi in a spiced yoghurt-based gravy flavoured with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and asafoetida. This dish offers a unique blend of textures, with the soft boondi soaking up the flavourful and tangy yoghurt sauce, creating a delightful and satisfying meal, often served with steamed rice or Indian bread.
5. Gatte Ki Sabji
Gatte ki Sabji is a traditional Rajasthani dish from the western part of India. It's a flavourful vegetarian curry that centres around 'gatte', which are nothing but steamed besan dumplings. For the curry, a spiced yoghurt-based gravy is prepared by mixing yoghurt with spices such as cumin, coriander, and red chilli powder and then simmering it with the dumplings until they absorb the sauce's flavours. A tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida, and other spices is typically added to enhance the dish's taste.
6. Punjabi Chitt
A beloved dish in many Punjabi and Rajasthani households, Punjabi Chitt is a delightful ginger and garlic-infused speciality often enjoyed during winter to ward off the cold. It's a wholesome and flavourful one-pot dish. You can add extra 1 tsp of red chilli powder, 1 tsp of turmeric powder, salt to taste, and 2 tbsp of malai. Stir thoroughly, add 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of water, and bring it to a boil. Your piping hot Chitt is ready to be savoured with freshly made, fluffy rotis.
7. Kadhi Pakora
Kadhi Pakora is a popular North Indian dish characterised by a thick, tangy, and spiced yoghurt-based curry served with crispy pakoras. To make this dish, besan is mixed with yoghurt and a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The mixture is simmered to a smooth consistency, while deep-fried pakoras, which can be made from ingredients like onions or spinach, are added. The result is a savoury, satisfying dish with a comforting balance of flavours and textures, often served with steamed rice or roti.
8. Malai Paneer
It is one of those dishes that are as delicious as their names. Paneer is already one of the most adored ingredients in Indian cooking and has been loved by people of all ages. Add 1 tsp of red chilli powder, ½ tsp of haldi powder and ½ cup of cream or malai. Add in your cubed paneer pieces and mix them thoroughly without wasting much time. To finish, add some garam masala and garnish with coriander leaves.
There are times when you have no vegetables at home. Maybe you are travelling and coming back home after a journey, forgot to order something, or it could be anything late at night. Worry no more. Explore these!