Authentic Nepalese Tarkari: A Delicious Veggie Curry Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 chopped tomato
  • 1 chopped potato
  • 1 chopped carrot
  • 1 chopped bell pepper
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup chopped eggplant
  • 1 cup chopped pumpkin
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pan and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in the curry powder and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the chopped tomato, potato, carrot, bell pepper, cauliflower florets, chopped eggplant, and chopped pumpkin to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onion and spice mixture.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the Tarkari with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pan - A large pan will be needed to cook the Tarkari and simmer the vegetables.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board will be necessary for chopping the onion, tomato, potato, carrot, bell pepper, cauliflower, eggplant, and pumpkin.
  • Knife - A knife is essential for cutting the vegetables into smaller pieces.
  • Spatula - A spatula will be useful for stirring the vegetables and spices in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons will be needed to accurately measure the vegetable oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Vegetable peeler - A vegetable peeler will be necessary to peel the potato and carrot before chopping.
  • Can opener - A can opener will be needed to open the canned chickpeas.
  • Lid - A lid that fits the pan will be necessary to cover the Tarkari while simmering.

Recipe variations

  • Add your choice of protein such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a heartier version.
  • Experiment with different vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Some options include zucchini, mushrooms, green beans, or spinach.
  • For a spicier kick, add chopped chili peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dish.
  • To make it creamier, stir in some coconut milk or cashew cream towards the end of cooking.
  • Customize the spice blend by using your own combination of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, or garam masala.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the regular vegetable broth with a gluten-free vegetable broth or water.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
  • Serve the Tarkari over steamed rice, quinoa, or with freshly baked naan bread for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Delight in the rich and flavorful dish of Tarkari, a traditional Nepalese vegetable curry that is both wholesome and satisfying. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your own Tarkari at home, starting with a base of sautéed onion, garlic, and ginger, and building up layers of flavor with a variety of fresh vegetables and aromatic curry powder. Infused with vegetable broth and cooked to perfection, the dish is rounded off with chickpeas for added protein. A sprinkling of fresh cilantro finishes this dish, adding a burst of freshness. Expect a hearty, warming, and nutrition-packed meal that's perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of vegetables and spices not only makes this dish a flavorful delight, but also a colorful feast for the eyes. Dig in and enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with any other mild-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil.
  2. Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the Tarkari by adding or substituting vegetables according to your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Can I use fresh curry leaves instead of curry powder? Yes, you can use fresh curry leaves for a more authentic flavor. Add them while sautéing the onions and spices.
  4. Is there a substitute for vegetable broth? If you don't have vegetable broth, you can use water or chicken broth as a substitute. Keep in mind that it may affect the overall flavor.
  5. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, the flavors of Tarkari tend to develop and improve over time. You can make it in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
  6. Is Tarkari suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets? Yes, Tarkari is a vegetarian and vegan dish as it consists of vegetables, spices, and vegetable broth.
  7. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan is needed to sauté the vegetables and cook the Tarkari.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is essential for chopping the onion, tomato, potato, carrot, bell pepper, cauliflower, eggplant, and pumpkin.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for cutting the vegetables and ensuring clean and precise cuts.
  • Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is handy for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are useful for accurately measuring the curry powder, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped cilantro.
  • Vegetable peeler - A vegetable peeler is helpful for peeling the potato and carrot before chopping them.
  • Serving bowl - A serving bowl is needed to present the Tarkari when serving.
  • Ladle - A ladle is useful for serving the Tarkari into individual bowls.

Origin stories

Tarkari is a quintessential dish from the heart of Nepal, a country known for its picturesque Himalayan landscapes. The diverse geography of Nepal, from fertile plains to forested hills and the icy peaks, is reflected in the vibrant mix of ingredients used in Tarkari. Much like the diverse cultures of Nepal, this dish is a symphony of flavors, brought together as a harmonious whole yet each individual ingredient adds its own unique note. 'Tarkari' in Nepali translates to 'curry' or 'sauce' which can be made with a single vegetable or a mix, as in this recipe. Tarkari is usually served with Bhat (rice) and Dal (lentil soup) making up the traditional Nepalese meal known as 'Dal Bhat Tarkari'. It is said that you haven't truly experienced Nepal until you've sat down to a hearty meal of Dal Bhat Tarkari, a culinary reflection of Nepal's rich cultural tapestry.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.