🥘 Vegetable Jalfrezi Recipe | Easy & Authentic Indian Veg Jalfrezi

Vegetable Jalfrezi is a popular Indian vegetarian curry made with stir-fried mixed vegetables, a tangy tomato base, and aromatic spices. This dish is known for its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and healthy ingredients.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make Veg Jalfrezi using both stovetop and Instant Pot methods so you can choose your preferred cooking style. Whether you serve it with naan, chapati, or rice, this homemade Vegetable Jalfrezi is a restaurant-style treat made right in your kitchen.

🛒 Ingredients for Vegetable Jalfrezi Recipe

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

🌱 Fresh Vegetables:

• Carrots – 1 cup, thinly sliced

• Green beans – 1 cup, cut into 2-inch pieces

• Cauliflower – 1 cup, small florets

• Capsicum (bell peppers) – 1 cup, sliced (use red, yellow, and green for color)

• Onion – 1 large, sliced

• Tomato – 2 medium, chopped

• Green peas – ½ cup

• Paneer (optional) – 100g, cubed

🍛 For the Curry Base:

• Oil or ghee – 3 tbsp

• Ginger – 1 inch, minced

• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced

• Green chili – 1, slit (optional)

• Tomato puree – 1 cup (fresh or canned)

• Water or vegetable broth – ½ cup

🌿 Spices:

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)

• Coriander powder – 2 tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

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

• Salt – to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash and cut all vegetables into thin strips or small florets for quick cooking.

• Keep capsicum and paneer aside to add later, as they cook faster.

Step 2 – Make the Curry Base

Stovetop Method

1. Heat oil in a large wok or kadhai over medium-high heat.

2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add sliced onions and sauté until light golden.

4. Stir in ginger, garlic, and green chili. Cook for 1 minute.

5. Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until oil separates from the masala.

Instant Pot Method

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat oil.

2. Follow the same steps above until the masala is cooked.

Step 3 – Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Add carrots, beans, cauliflower, and peas. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes.

2. Pour in water or broth, cover, and cook until vegetables are tender but still crisp.

   • Stovetop: 6–7 minutes

   • Instant Pot: Pressure cook for 1 minute, then quick release.

Step 4 – Add Capsicum & Paneer

1. Add sliced capsicum and paneer cubes.

2. Stir gently so paneer doesn’t break.

3. Cook for 2–3 minutes until capsicum is slightly softened but retains crunch.

Step 5 – Final Seasoning

1. Add garam masala, kasuri methi, and salt.

2. Mix well and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

3. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Veg Jalfrezi

• Weeknight Dinners – Quick, healthy, and delicious

• Festive Meals – Works perfectly in a thali alongside dal and roti

• Vegan Parties – A crowd-pleasing gluten-free and dairy-free option (skip paneer)

• Lunchbox Recipes – Stays fresh and flavorful for hours

• Special Dinner Dates – Pair with garlic naan for a restaurant-style Indian feast

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with tandoori roti, garlic naan, or butter naan.

• Pairs wonderfully with jeera rice, pulao, or brown rice.

• Add a cooling side like cucumber raita or boondi raita.

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving – 1 cup)

💡 Tip: For a lighter version, use less oil and skip paneer.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Veg Jalfrezi

• Use fresh, colorful veggies for the best taste and visual appeal.

• Cook on high heat to keep vegetables crisp and retain nutrients.

• Paneer tip – Lightly pan-fry paneer cubes before adding for extra flavor.

• Adjust spice levels – Add more chili for a spicier curry or reduce for a milder one.

• Add tang – A splash of lemon juice at the end enhances flavor.

❓ FAQs – Vegetable Jalfrezi

Q. Can I make Veg Jalfrezi ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Q. Can I freeze Veg Jalfrezi?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month.

Q. How to make Veg Jalfrezi healthier?
Use minimal oil, fresh vegetables, and tofu instead of paneer.

📝 Interesting facts

This easy Vegetable Jalfrezi recipe combines crisp stir-fried vegetables, tangy tomato sauce, and warm Indian spices to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you make it for everyday dinners or special gatherings, it’s a versatile Indian curry with mixed vegetables that everyone will love.

Once you try this homemade Veg Jalfrezi, you’ll see why it’s one of the most popular restaurant-style Indian curries — but even fresher and healthier when made at home.