Broccoli Capsicum Curry

I keep hoping everyday that my maid would have cooked something delicious for dinner.

Scene at home:

Me: Kya banaya khane ke liye? (What have you prepared?)

She(Maid): Aapne call nahi kiya na, isliye maine socha aap kuch banayenge, maine tho sirf aata ghunke rakha hai. (You didnot call me, so.., I thought you would be cooking. I just prepared the dough for rotis).

Me: (Trying to hide my anger..), teek hain, subziyan fridge se nikalo. Agar main call nahi karpayi, tho aaphi call karke pooch lijiye. (Fine, atleast keep the vegetables out & also, I may forget to call. It is better you only call & get the details for dinner)

She: Main batana bhool gayi.., sivaye pyaaz, tamatar...sabziyan kuch bhi nayi hain (Forgot to tell you, there is no vegetable except for onion & tomato)

Me: (Grrrrrrr...trying to smile again)Ok, let me have a quick look at the freezer.

Luckily on that day, I found some frozen broccoli, 1 old capsicum & some frozen peas. I started experimenting with that. I usually prepare 2-3 types of general gravies, that go well with most of the vegetables. I used one of the gravies for this dish & it turned out real good. I was very happy with the result. So, thought of writing down for your (rather our!!) reference ;)

Ingredients:

Broccoli: 1 medium sized (cut into medium pieces)
Capsicum: 2 nos(cut into 1 inch cubes)

Green peas: a fistful (I used frozen)

Green chillies: 4 nos

Onion: 2 nos

Tomatoes: 2 nos

Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp

Cilantro: 1 cup or 3 strings (for the gravy)

Kasuri Methi: 1 tsp

Garam masala: 1 tsp (optional)

Amchur powder: 1 tsp (add according to your taste)

Red chilli powder: 1/2 tsp

Salt: According to taste

Oil: 2 + 1 tbsp

Cumin seeds: 1 tsp

Cilantro: 1 tbsp (for garneshing)

Method:

• Prepare a fine paste of tomato, onion, ginger-garlic paste, green chillies & cilantro.
• Heat a broad pan. Add 2 tbsp of oil to it. When oil is hot, add cumin seeds. When cumin seeds splutter, add the paste prepared in the previous step. Reduce the heat & cook it on a slow flame.
• Meantime, in a wok, add 1 tsp of oil & saute the broccoli until tender & yet crunchy (it takes around 5-6minutes). Set aside the broccoli & repeat the same with capsicum. Mix the vegetables & keep them aside.
• Ensure the raw smell of onion & tomatoes vanish away. The gravy starts oozing out oil. At this stage, add 1/2 cup of water, green peas, salt, red chilli powder, amchur powder, kasuri methi & mix well.
• Add the vegetables to the gravy & cook on a medium flame for another 5-7minutes. Add garam masala & remove the gravy from heat.
• Serve it hot with rotis.