Make Gobhi-Matar sabji for dinner, entirely in the microwave: it is a great idea for an easy and quick dinner with Roti/Naan.
Gobhi Matar Sabji (pronounced as ‘Go-bhee’ – ‘Mutter’ – “Sub-jee”) is one of my favorite vegetable dishes. I find it really easy to make in the microwave, and have been doing it this way for years. No mess, no fuss, no tadka, ready to eat in under 30 min. Plus, since it is a high-value veggie and protein all-in-one dish, nutritional balance is not an issue!
The cauliflower prep is quite simple. After cutting into medium, bite-sized florets, I toss them with salt and a little oil. I transfer the florets to a dinner plate to spread them out in a single layer, then microwave for a few min, Next up, chopped tomatoes, shredded ginger, seasonings and a little drizzle of oil. Without stirring, I simply cover the plate and microwave for a few more minutes. The Sabji is almost done at this point. Now I add the frozen peas – I don’t even thaw them, just add them straight and cook for a few more min. All done! Since I make it in the microwave, I never have to worry about watching over it to make sure it doesn’t stick or burn on the bottom.
What to eat it this Sabji with?
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with: Chapatis, Naan, Pita, Puri, Tortilla… you decide! You can prepare the garnish while the Sabji cooks in the microwave. As for the bread, perhaps you could simply warm it in a toaster oven. You can also set out a bowl of fresh yogurt on the side to amp up the protein value of your meal. Although the peas are rich in protein, you really cannot get enough protein just from the Sabji alone. The quality of the protein is very good, though – the peas and Naan (or other bread variety) complement each other, providing you with all the essential amino acids you needs.
The overall is meal suggested here is nut-free. It also does not have onion/garlic, thus suitable for those who might prefer to have food without these. If you cannot have yogurt, maybe you can make a Raita with your preferred yogurt substitute. For a gluten-free meal, perhaps there is a gluten-free bread you like?
Whatever you decide as accompaniments, this quick way of making Gobhi-Matar Sabji allows weeknight dinners to become an easy affair. Simple, tasty, and wholesome!
Quick Gobhi Matar Sabji
Equipment
- Microwave oven preferred: if not available, stove-top directions are given in Recipe notes. (It will take longer)
- Microwave safe containers or plates made of glass or creramic – avoid plastic plates even ones with "microwave-safe" labels.
Ingredients
- 300 g Cauliflower About 4 cups medium bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup Tomatoes chopped; Roma 1 medium; other varieties of tomatoes OK too
- 1 cup Green peas – frozen if using fresh, blanch first in boiling water for 2 min.
- 1 1/2 tsp Oil any mild oil- divided (1 tsp + 1/2 tsp)
- 1/4 tsp Salt adjust as per taste preference
- 1/2 inch piece Fresh Ginger peeled, then julienned or shredded
Spice Mix for spreading on the cooked cauliflower
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Fennel powder –
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli powder (Cayenne) adjust as per your preferred level of spiciness
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt adjust – up to 1/8 tsp more, if desired
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) – optional chopped
Instructions
- Take out the frozen green peas from the freezer- transfer measured amount to a plate/bowl ans set the counter to thaw.
- Cut the cauliflower into bit-sized florets.
- Add 1/2 tsp oil and salt. Toss to mix and spread on a microwave-safe dinner plate. Placing on a dinner plate, rather than a bowl, prevents crowding of the florets, and facilitates more even cooking. Spread the ginger pieces evenly over the cauliflower.
- Cover with a vented lid and microwave on full power for 3-4 min.(Stove-top instructions in Recipe notes)
- Meanwhile, mix the ingredients for the spice mixture in a small bowl.
- Chop the tomatoes and spread evenly over the cooked cauliflower.
- Use a small spoon to sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the tomatoes. Then use a small spoon to add the remaining oil drop-wise, evenly, over the spices Do NOT mix.
- Cover and microwave on full power – 3-4 min.
- Add green peas- no need to thaw them any further. Do not stir.
- Cover and cook for 3-4 min in full power.
- Stir to mix ingredients. Check taste- adjust salt and spiciness as desired.
- Garnish with cilantro (optional)
- Ready to serve with Chapati, Naan, Roti, tortillas, etc.
- Enjoy!
one of my favorite subzis too. have never tried in microwave tho’. seems quite simple, worth trying
Let me know how it turns out! Since it does not have a tadka, it will look and taste a bit different, of course.
Awesome recipe. Ready in a snap. Perfect texture
Ready in a snap, and perfect texture….. Yup! That’s why I make it this way so frequently – so glad you liked it too! Thanks for the review! 🙂