Explore the flavors of Gujarat with Gajar no Sambharo, a vibrant Indian carrot stir-fry bursting with spices! Perfectly seasoned with mustard, cumin, and a hint of lemon, this crunchy side dish is a delightful addition to your Indian feast.
Growing up in Gujarat, Gajar no Sambharo was a familiar and cherished part of my childhood. My mom would often whip up this delightful low-carb carrot stir-fry as a side dish, and we'd relish it just as it is.
The perfect blend of spices and the crunchy texture of the carrots make it one of my all-time favorite comfort foods, carrying with it the flavors of home and nostalgia.
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About Gajar no Sambharo | Carrot Stir Fry
Gajar no Sambharo is a traditional Indian carrot stir-fry dish from the Gujarati cuisine, featuring grated carrots stir-fried with mustard seeds, cumin, and green chilies for a flavorful and crunchy side.
The tempering of spices and a dash of lemon juice in this vibrant dish create a perfect balance, making it a popular and delightful accompaniment to Indian meals.
Ingredients For Carrot Stir Fry Recipe
Here's a brief description of each ingredient used in the Gujarati Gajar no Sambharo recipe:
- Grated Carrots: Carrots are known for their sweet flavor and vibrant orange color. They are rich in vitamins, especially beta-carotene, and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
- Oil: Oil is used for sautéing and cooking the ingredients. Common cooking oils like vegetable oil or mustard oil can be used.
- Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds are small seeds that add a distinct flavor and aroma to the dish. They are often used in tempering and are a common ingredient in Indian cooking.
- Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds contribute a warm, earthy flavor to the dish. They are a staple spice in Indian cuisine and are often used in tempering as well.
- Asafoetida (Hing): Asafoetida has a pungent smell. It is used in small quantities to enhance the flavor of the dish. In Indian cuisine, it's believed to aid digestion.
- Green Chilies: Green chilies add heat and spice to the dish. The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference.
- Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder imparts a bright yellow color to the dish and has a warm, slightly bitter taste. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is a common spice in Indian cuisine.
- Salt: Salt enhances the overall taste of the dish. It balances flavors and brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the sambharo. It provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the carrots.
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: Fresh coriander leaves, also known as cilantro, are used for garnishing. They add a burst of freshness and a mild, citrusy flavor to the dish.
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and colorful stir-fried carrot dish that is a popular in Gujarati cuisine.
Carrot Stir Fry Recipe | Gajar no Sambharo
Gujarati Gajar no Sambharo" is a popular stir-fried carrot dish from the Gujarati cuisine. Here's a simple recipe for you:
- Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds and asafoetida (hing).
- Add slit green chilies and curry leaves and sauté for a minute.
- Add turmeric powder, grated carrots, and salt to the pan and mix well.
- Cook the carrots on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrots should be cooked but still have a slight crunch.
- Once the carrots are cooked, turn off the heat and drizzle lemon juice over the sambharo. Mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Your Gujarati Gajar no Sambharo is ready to be served! It makes a delightful side dish and is often enjoyed with meals in Gujarati households.
Storage
To store leftover Gujarati Gajar no Sambharo, let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Reheat before serving.
Tips For Crunchy Carrot Stir Fry
Here are some tips to enhance your preparation of Gujarati Gajar no Sambharo:
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and vibrant carrots for the best flavor and texture. Freshly grated carrots will retain their natural sweetness.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the quantity of green chilies according to your taste preferences.
- Consistent Grating: Ensure uniform grating of carrots to ensure even cooking. A medium grater works well for this dish.
- Tempering: Pay attention to the tempering process with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Proper tempering adds depth and aroma to the dish.
- Don't Overcook: Be mindful not to overcook the carrots. They should be cooked but still have a slight crunch for a more enjoyable texture.
- Lemon Juice Balance: Adjust the amount of lemon juice to achieve a balanced tanginess. It should complement the sweetness of the carrots without overpowering.
- Garnish: Add fresh coriander leaves just before serving to retain their vibrant color and aromatic flavor.
- Serve with: Gajar no Sambharo pairs well with Indian bread like roti, thepla, or as a side dish with dal and rice. Consider it as a refreshing accompaniment to your meal.
- Experiment with Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like grated coconut, roasted peanuts, or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy preparing and savoring this delightful Gujarati dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, boiling the carrots before stir-frying is not necessary for Gujarati Gajar no Sambharo. The dish is traditionally made by stir-frying grated carrots until they are cooked yet retain a slight crunch.
To prepare carrots for stir-fry, wash and peel them, then grate them using a medium grater for uniform texture. Stir-fry the grated carrots in a pan with tempering spices and seasonings until cooked but still slightly crunchy for a delicious and quick side dish like Gujarati Gajar no Sambharo.
Yes, stir-fried carrots can be a healthy option as they retain more nutrients than boiling. The quick stir-frying process helps preserve the nutritional content of carrots, including vitamins and antioxidants, making them a nutritious and flavorful side dish.
The natural sweetness and flavor of carrots are brought out through the stir-frying process, which caramelizes their sugars, enhancing their taste. The addition of complementary spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and a touch of lemon juice in dishes like Gujarati Gajar no Sambharo further enhances and balances the overall carrot flavor.
Low Carb Indian Recipes
Indian Carrot Stir Fry Recipe | Gajar No Sambharo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 carrots, medium grated (about 2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- pinch asafoetida hing
- 2-3 green chilies, slit into two vertically
- 1 spring curry leaves
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon lemon juice, adjust to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds and asafoetida (hing).
- Add slit green chilies and curry leaves and sauté for a minute.
- Add turmeric powder, grated carrots, and salt to the pan and mix well.
- Cook the carrots on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrots should be cooked but still have a slight crunch.
- Once the carrots are cooked, turn off the heat and drizzle lemon juice over the sambharo. Mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Notes
- Tips For Crunchy Carrot Stir Fry
- Frequently Asked Questions
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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