Dhaba Style Sev Tomato Curry: A Quick And Delicious Dish

Introduction

When you find your fridge lacking fresh vegetables, this Dhaba style Sev Tomato Curry is a quick and flavorful solution. It’s simple to prepare yet provides a hearty meal that delights your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ghee (or oil)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• ¼ teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 to 3 dried red chilies
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1½ teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• ¼ cup water (for mixing spices)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• Salt (to taste)
• ½ cup tomato puree (from 1 large tomato)
• 2 tablespoons fresh yogurt
• 1 teaspoon roasted fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or jaggery)
• 1½ cups water (for cooking)
• 1 bowl thick besan (gram flour) sev
• Finely chopped fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

1. In a kadai (pan), heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil over medium heat.
2. Once hot, add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and ½ teaspoon mustard seeds and let them crackle.
3. After that, add ¼ teaspoon of asafoetida and sauté briefly.
4. Add 1 finely chopped green chili and 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
5. Now introduce 1 large finely chopped onion and 2 to 3 broken dried red chilies. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the spice mix: In a bowl, combine ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1½ teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder, and ½ teaspoon cumin powder. Mix well and add ¼ cup water to form a paste.
7. Once the onions are ready, add the spice paste and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
8. Now, add 2 chopped tomatoes along with salt to taste. Stir well and cover to let the tomatoes soften for about 3-4 minutes on low flame.
9. After the tomatoes are soft, add ½ cup of crushed tomato puree and mix. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
10. Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh yogurt, mixing continuously until it is well incorporated and the gravy begins to bubble.
11. Add 1 teaspoon of roasted fenugreek leaves, ½ teaspoon garam masala, and 1 teaspoon sugar, or jaggery, into the curry. Mix everything thoroughly.
12. Now, gradually add 1½ cups of water while stirring. Allow the mixture to heat up until it reaches a boil. You may adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
13. Once the water is boiling, add the besan sev gradually and stir. Cover and let it cook for about 1 minute, just to allow the sev to soften.
14. Finally, sprinkle over some fresh coriander leaves, combine, and turn off the heat. Your Sev Tomato Curry is now ready to serve!

Cooking Tips & Variations

• You can replace ghee with cooking oil if desired.
• If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes or tomato puree.
• Experiment with added vegetables, such as bell peppers or peas, to boost nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This Sev Tomato Curry pairs beautifully with bajra roti, jowar bhakri, or simple chapati.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.

Nutrition Information

This dish, rich in tomato and spices, offers a good balance of protein from the sev and carbohydrates from the roti, making it a fulfilling meal.

FAQs

What is sev?
Sev is a popular Indian snack made from gram flour, often used as a topping in various dishes for added crunch.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Just make sure to cook them down to a paste consistency.

Is this dish spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of green chilies and Kashmiri red chili powder used.

Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can omit yogurt and use plant-based yogurt to keep it vegan.

What other dishes pair well with Sev Tomato Curry?
It goes well with flatbreads like chapati, parathas, or even rice dishes.

How can I adjust the consistency of the gravy?
You can add more water for a thinner gravy or let it simmer longer for a thicker consistency.

How spicy is Kashmiri red chili powder?
Kashmiri red chili powder is milder compared to regular chili powder and adds rich color to dishes.

Can I freeze this curry?
It’s best to consume it fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

What can I substitute for yogurt?
You can use coconut yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth as a substitute.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free sev, the dish can be gluten-free.