Vegetable Jalfrezi

// Vegetable Jalfrezi or Veg Jalfrezi is a mixed vegetable stir-fry that goes well with any type of flatbreads and rice! It also tastes delicious.



Vegetable Jalfrezi aka Veg Jalfrezi is a mixed vegetable stir-fry that goes well with any type of flatbreads and rice! It also tastes delicious.

This mixed vegetable jalfrezi has spicy, slightly sweet and sour flavors and is loaded with lots of nutritious and colorful veggies and paneer. What else do we want in a meat-free curry? 

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a hand taking vegetable jalfrezi from brass bowl

About Vegetable Jalfrezi

The wonderful thing about this Vegetable Jalfrezi or Veg Jalfrezi is that you simply make the base sauce and add whatever vegetables are handy. You can even add canned beans to it. So flexible, isn’t it? 

On days when you don’t have time for chopping vegetables, you can go with the bag of your favorite frozen bag of mixed veg. This would come out great.

It makes a perfect weeknight dinner or lunch. So make this Mixed Vegetable Jalfrezi at home anytime when you are craving restaurant-style sizzling vegetable jalfrezi.

This recipe makes the best fail-proof vegetable jalfrezi that turns out great each time! 

On this page, you will get the step-by-step recipe with pictures and a video tutorial. You will also get a Vegetable Jalfrezi recipe video on this page.

vegetable jalfrezi served in a brass bowl

What is Jalfrezi?

Jalfrezi, also known as jhal frezi, is a popular semi-dry spicy and tangy curry dish that originated from the Indian state of West Bengal and is now popular throughout the Indian subcontinent. 

Here, jalfrezi means a stir-fried, spicy and tangy dish that can be prepared using main ingredients such as chicken, lamb, fish, vegetables, or paneer.

What is Vegetable Jalfrezi?

Vegetable Jalfrezi might be one of the most popular dishes served in Indian restaurants across the world.

Mixed Vegetable Jalfrezi is a vegetarian version of jalfrezi where lots and lots of vegetables are cooked in a spicy and tangy tomato sauce. This dish is all about  the beautiful harmony of mixed vegetables in spicy and tangy tomato sauce. 

It is simple enough to make an everyday dish, and at the same time it is exotic enough to make an indulgent weekend meal.

What are the features of Vegetable Jalfrezi?

This Vegetable Jalfrezi:

✔ is vegetarian, gluten-free, and can also be made vegan

✔ makes a perfect weeknight dinner

✔ is super easy, quick, and packed with veggie goodness 

✔ can also be made with frozen vegetables

✔ is a mildly spicy and tasty curry

✔ is a great way to include veggies in your diet

✔ goes well with almost everything

✔ can be made using fresh or frozen vegetables

✔ is made in one pot

✔ packed with so many flavors

✔ is so versatile, can be made with any seasonal veggies you have on hand

overhead closeup shot of vegetable jalfrezi served in a brass bowl

What to serve with Vegetable Jalfrezi?

Mixed Vegetable Jalfrezi is a dry dish that pairs well with naan, paratha, or jeera rice

Below are some meal prep ideas:

Meal idea 1: Vegetable Jalfrezi, garlic tandoori roti, mix veg, and boondi raita

Meal idea 2: Vegetable Jalfrezi, matar pulao, chana masala, lachha paratha

Meal idea 3: Vegetable Jalfrezi, oats paratha, pineapple raita

How to make Vegetable Jalfrezi vegan?

To make vegetable jalfrezi (Veg Jalfrezi) vegan, simply omit the paneer or swap paneer with tofu.

What type of vegetables goes in the Vegetable Jalfrezi recipe?

The choice of vegetables in the veg jalfrezi dish is absolutely flexible. You can add any of your favorite mixed vegetables to this vegetable jalfrezi dish. 

You can add vegetables such as:

  • Butternut Squash

  • Pumpkin

  • Sweet Potatoes

  • Cabbage

  • Potatoes

  • Aubergine

  • Spinach

  • Corn Kernels

vegetable jalfrezi served in a brass bowl with lemon slices on the side

What are the ingredients needed to make vegetable jalfrezi?

Vegetable Jalfrezi is made with very simple ingredients. The ingredients list might look a bit long but there is nothing you wouldn’t find in your kitchen on any regular. Most of this list has fresh vegetables that can be easily swapped with any frozen bag of mixed veggies.

Plus, you can add any of the mixed vegetables of your choice. So the options are endless. 

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make Vegetable Jalfrezi:

  1. Oil/ghee

  2. Cumin Seeds 

  3. Red Chilies

  4. Onion

  5. Ginger, Chopped

  6. Garlic, Chopped

  7. Tomato Puree

  8. Tomato Ketchup 

  9. Red Chili Powder

  10. Coriander Powder

  11. Cumin Powder

  12. Salt

  13. Green Chili

  14. Garam Masala

  15. Kasuri Methi

  16. Paneer

  17. Fresh Cilantro

  18. Vegetables (Carrot, Mixed Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Cauliflower, French Beans

  19. Green Peas, Tomato, Sliced, Baby Corn)

overhead vegetable jalfrezi served in a brass bowl along with a rice bowl and salad

How to make Vegetable Jalfrezi?

Making Vegetable Jalfrezi aka Veg Jalfrezi is very simple and easy. You just need a single pot to make this dish. The only time taking thing here is prepping vegetables. So I would suggest you prepare vegetables ahead of time. This way you can make this dish faster.

This is how you can make Vegetable Jalfrezi in 8 easy steps:

Step 1: Sauté onion, ginger, and garlic in oil.

Step 2: Add tomato puree and tomato ketchup. Cook.

Step 3: Add spices (red chili powder, salt, cumin powder, coriander powder) and cook.

Step 4: Add bell peppers, carrots, french beans, mushroom, tomatoes, boiled baby corn, and green peas.

Step 5: Add vinegar, garam masala powder, green chili, kasuri methi, ginger juliennes, and paneer. Mix and cook.

Step 6: Add boiled cauliflower, and cook more. 

Step 7: Add coriander leaves, and mix. Done. 

Step 8: Enjoy with roti or rice.

For a full list of Vegetable Jalfrezi recipe ingredients and step-by-step photo and video instructions, please see the recipe box on this page. 

vegetable jalfrezi served in a brass bowl kept on a wooden board

What are the pro tips, tricks to make Vegetable Jalfrezi?

  1. In veg jalfrezi, try to use large sizes of veggies. The large bite-sized vegetables make the best tasting jalfrezi.

  2. In this stir fry dish, some of the vegetables can go raw while others need a bit of cooking. The chunkier vegetables like cauliflower and baby corn take some time to cook while other veggies like bell peppers, french beans, mushrooms, and peas cook faster. That’s why I used a combination of raw and boiled vegetables here. 

  3. This is a tangy curry. White vinegar, tomato puree and tomato ketchup are added for tangy and mildly sweet flavours. So it is highly recommended that you don’t skip any of those. 

  4. Jalfrezi is a semi-dry side dish. But if you want a gravy dish, then you can add about ½ cup of water or vegetable stock to this curry along with all the vegetables.

  5. This dish can be made with any combination of vegetables of your choice. 

  6. You can use leftover vegetable jalfrezi as a toasted sandwich filling. They taste amazing.

  7. If you find this mixed vegetable jalfrezi curry less spicy, then feel free to add more red chili powder to this recipe.

  8. I have used store-bought tomato puree in this recipe, but you can also use homemade tomato puree here.

a person holding vegetable jalfrezi served in a brass bowl

Vegetable Jalfrezi (Step-by-step photo instructions)

How to make Vegetable Jalfrezi:

  1. Heat ghee/oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-1 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  3. Once hot, add cumin seeds and dried red chilies.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-2 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  5. Once the seeds start to splutter, add sliced onions.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-3 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  7. Sauté for 2 minutes.
  8. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-4 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  9. After 2 minutes, add chopped ginger and chopped garlic.
  10. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-5 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  11. Mix well and sauté for 2 more minutes.
  12. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-6 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  13. Now, add tomato puree, tomato ketchup, and mix everything well. Cook for 2 minutes.
  14. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-7 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  15. After that, add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and cumin powder.
  16. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-8 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  17. Mix well to combine and cook for 2 more minutes.
  18. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-9 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  19. Add salt to taste and mix well.
  20. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-10 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  21. Now, add carrots, bell peppers (yellow, green, red, orange), french beans, mushrooms, green peas, sliced tomatoes, and boiled baby corn.
  22. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-11 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  23. Toss well to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes; stirring occasionally.
  24. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-12 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  25. Now add garam masala powder, Kasuri methi, vinegar, sliced ginger, and paneer.
  26. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-13 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  27. Toss everything well. Lastly, add boiled cauliflower and mix well until combined.
  28. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-14 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  29. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender and soft. Keep stirring occasionally.
  30. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-15 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  31. Add chopped coriander leaves and mix again. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  32. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-16 for Vegetable Jalfrezi
  33. Transfer mixed vegetable jalfrezi to a serving dish and garnish with cilantro leaves and ginger juliennes. Serve hot with roti or paratha.
  34. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-17 for Vegetable Jalfrezi

Recipe Card


Vegetable Jalfrezi [Recipe]

Recipe Image
Vegetable Jalfrezi or Veg Jalfrezi is a mixed vegetable stir-fry that goes well with any type of flatbreads and rice! It also tastes delicious.
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 23 reviews)

Prep time 🕐 Cook time 🕐 Total time 🕐
35 mins
Category ☶ Cuisine ♨ Serves ☺
Sides Indian 4-5
Nutrition Info ⊛ Serving size ⊚
189 calories 1

INGREDIENTS

For Vegetable Jalfrezi
  • 2 teaspoons oil/ghee
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • 1 large-sized onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1.5 tablespoons tomato ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, julienned
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup orange bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup sliced mushroom
  • 1/2 cup french beans
  • 1/3 cup green peas (frozen or boiled)
  • 1/3 cup cauliflower, boiled
  • 1 medium-sized tomato, sliced
  • 1/4 cup baby corn, boiled
  • 1 green chili, slit
  • 3/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Kasuri methi
  • 200 grams paneer, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon chopped, cilantro (coriander) leaves
For Serving:
  • 1 tablespoon chopped, cilantro (coriander) leaves
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, julienned

INSTRUCTIONS:

How to make Vegetable Jalfrezi:
  1. Heat ghee/oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Once hot, add cumin seeds and dried red chilies.
  3. Once the seeds start to splutter, add sliced onions.
  4. Sauté for 2 minutes.
  5. After 2 minutes, add chopped ginger and chopped garlic.
  6. Mix well and sauté for 2 more minutes.
  7. Now, add tomato puree, tomato ketchup, and mix everything well. Cook for 2 minutes.
  8. After that, add red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and cumin powder.
  9. Mix well to combine and cook for 2 more minutes.
  10. Add salt to taste and mix well.
  11. Now, add carrots, bell peppers (yellow, green, red, orange), french beans, mushrooms, green peas, sliced tomatoes, and boiled baby corn.
  12. Toss well to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes; stirring occasionally.
  13. Now add garam masala powder, Kasuri methi, vinegar, sliced ginger, and paneer.
  14. Toss everything well. Lastly, add boiled cauliflower and mix well until combined.
  15. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender and soft. Keep stirring occasionally.
  16. Add chopped coriander leaves and mix again. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  17. Transfer mixed vegetable jalfrezi to a serving dish and garnish with cilantro leaves and ginger juliennes. Serve hot with roti or paratha.

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NOTES:

  1. In jalfrezi, try to use large sizes of veggies. The large bite-sized vegetables make the best tasting jalfrezi.
  2. In this stir fry dish, some of the vegetables can go raw while others need a bit of cooking. The chunkier vegetables like cauliflower and baby corn take some time to cook while other veggies like bell peppers, french beans, mushrooms, and peas cook faster. That's why I used a combination of raw and boiled vegetables here.
  3. This is a tangy curry. White vinegar, tomato puree and tomato ketchup are added for tangy and mildly sweet flavours. So it is highly recommended that you don’t skip any of those.
  4. Jalfrezi is a semi-dry side dish. But if you want a gravy dish, then you can add about ½ cup of water or vegetable stock to this curry along with all the vegetables.
  5. This dish can be made with any combination of vegetables of your choice.


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