Winter is heading up, and being a season that brings a bounty of fresh vegetables, it also gives people an opportunity to prepare some flavourful and nutritious sautéed vegetable dishes. Sautéing vegetables allows you to retain their natural taste while enhancing their flavour with simple seasonings.
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In India, winter vegetables are diverse and vibrant, and when sautéed together, they create wholesome and delicious meals. Let’s explore a few combinations of sautéed vegetables that are perfect for the Indian winter season, offering warmth, comfort, nutrition, and flavour to your meals.
Carrots, Green Peas, And Cauliflower Sauté
Carrots, green peas, and cauliflower are winter staples in many Indian households. This combination creates a vibrant and nutritious dish that is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. The sweetness of carrots blends beautifully with the mild flavour of cauliflower and the slightly starchy taste of green peas. To prepare, sauté the vegetables with a little cumin, ginger, and garlic. Add a pinch of turmeric and red chilli powder for a bit of heat. This simple yet flavourful dish can be served as a side with chapatis or as a light meal with a sprinkle of fresh coriander.
Spinach And Baby Potatoes Sauté
Spinach, or palak, is a highly nutritious leafy green that is widely available during winter in India. Pairing it with baby potatoes creates a hearty and comforting sauté. The soft, earthy flavour of baby potatoes balances well with the slightly bitter taste of spinach. To make this dish, boil the baby potatoes and sauté them with chopped spinach, cumin seeds, and garlic. A dash of garam masala adds warmth and depth to the dish, making it perfect for cold winter nights. This dish is packed with iron and fibre, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
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Shukto-Style Sautéed Vegetables
Shukto is a traditional Bengali dish known for its unique blend of vegetables and slightly bitter taste. It often includes winter vegetables like raw banana, brinjal, drumsticks, and ridge gourd. The vegetables are first sautéed in mustard oil, which gives them a distinct flavour. Bitter gourd, a key ingredient in shukto, adds a slight bitterness, while milk or poppy seed paste is used to mellow down the flavours. This dish is ideal for those who love to experiment with traditional Indian flavours during the winter season. It’s light, flavourful, and perfect with steamed rice.
Turnips, Carrots, And Radish Sauté
Turnips, carrots, and radishes are root vegetables that thrive during winter and are excellent for sautéing. Turnips bring a slightly sweet and earthy flavour, while carrots add a touch of sweetness, and radishes contribute a peppery bite. To prepare, sauté these vegetables in olive oil with mustard seeds, cumin, and green chillies. A sprinkle of black salt enhances their natural flavours. This combination is packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your winter diet. Serve it as a side dish or mix it with warm rotis for a comforting meal.
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Broccoli, Capsicum, And Beans Sauté
Broccoli, capsicum, and green beans are an excellent combination of winter vegetables that make for a vibrant and nutrient-rich sauté. Broccoli provides a mild, slightly bitter taste; capsicum adds sweetness and crunch, while beans contribute a subtle earthiness. Sauté these vegetables in olive oil or ghee with some garlic, ginger, and black pepper for a simple yet flavourful dish. Adding a dash of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavours and adds a fresh twist. This sautéed vegetable dish is perfect for a healthy side or a light, warm winter lunch.
Also Read: 8 Health Benefits Of A Plant-Based Diet
Cabbage And Green Peas Sauté
Cabbage and green peas are commonly available during the Indian winter and create a simple yet delightful dish when sautéed together. The sweetness of the peas complements the slightly bitter and crunchy texture of the cabbage. Sauté these vegetables in ghee with a hint of cumin seeds, green chillies, and a little grated ginger. Adding a dash of garam masala or black pepper towards the end elevates the flavours. This dish is not only easy to make but also provides a good dose of vitamins and fibre, perfect for a healthy winter meal.