Indian Spiced Veg Bowl (Mixed Vegetables in Tomato and Onion Masala)

Mixed vegetables cooked in a tomato and onion masala are a practical, everyday way to bring Indian-style spicing to a rice bowl. The base is softened onion, garlic, ginger and ripe tomato, cooked down until thick enough to cling to cauliflower, carrot, beans and peas rather than sitting as a loose sauce. Cumin, turmeric and Kashmiri chilli give warmth and colour, while garam masala is added at the end to keep its aroma fresh. Served over basmati rice with coriander and lemon, the bowl is hearty, gently spiced and easy to adapt with similar quick-cooking vegetables.
Cuisine style Indian home-style cooking
Spice level Mild
Cooking style Meal prep friendly • Freezer-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Layered masala base: Softened onion, garlic, ginger, tomato and ground spices create a savoury base that coats the vegetables rather than sitting separately.
  • Bright finish: A squeeze of lemon at the end sharpens the tomato masala and keeps the bowl from tasting heavy.
  • Good for leftovers: The vegetable masala reheats well, especially when stored separately from the rice and loosened with a splash of water.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For less heat: Reduce the Kashmiri chilli and rely on lemon and fresh coriander for brightness.
  • For more warmth: Increase the chilli slightly or add a fresh green chilli with the garlic and ginger.
  • Keep it rounded: Add extra lemon at the table if the spice feels too flat or the masala tastes too rich.

Ingredient notes

  • Kashmiri chilli: Kashmiri chilli gives colour and gentle heat, so it suits a mild vegetable masala better than very hot chilli powders.
  • Cut vegetables evenly: Keep the cauliflower, carrot and beans in similar-sized pieces so they become tender at the same time.
  • Use ripe tomato: A ripe tomato breaks down more easily and gives the masala better sweetness and acidity.

Common mistakes

  • Do not scorch the spices: Cook the ground spices briefly, then add the tomato before they darken or turn bitter.
  • Avoid a watery masala: Simmer gently once the vegetables are added so the sauce stays thick enough to coat them.
  • Keep the vegetables defined: Stop cooking when the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape, especially the cauliflower and beans.

Make-ahead tips

  • Store rice and masala apart: Keeping the rice separate helps it stay fluffy and prevents it from absorbing too much sauce.
  • Reheat with a splash of water: Warm the masala gently in a pan with a little water until piping hot, then serve over reheated rice.
  • Freezes well: Freeze the cooled vegetable masala for longer storage, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Put it in a saucepan with 350 ml water and 0.5 tsp fine sea salt, bring to the boil, then cover and cook on the lowest heat for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Meanwhile, finely chop the yellow onion, grate the garlic and ginger, and dice the tomato. Slice the carrot into thin half-moons and trim the green beans into bite-size lengths. Roughly chop the fresh coriander and cut the lemon into wedges.
  3. Heat the ghee in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of fine sea salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the ground cumin, ground turmeric and ground Kashmiri chili and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomato and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring, until it breaks down into a thick masala. If it catches, splash in a little water.
  5. Add the cauliflower florets, carrot and green beans, plus 250 ml water and the remaining fine sea salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes until hot through. Take off the heat and stir in the garam masala and most of the fresh coriander. Taste and squeeze in a little lemon to brighten the masala.
  7. Divide the rice between two bowls and spoon the mixed vegetable masala over the top. Finish with the remaining fresh coriander and serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing. Eat hot.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the heat at a gentle simmer once the vegetables go in, so the masala stays thick and coats everything rather than turning watery.
  • For the best flavour, add the garam masala off the heat so it stays fragrant.
  • If serving to young children or anyone sensitive to spice, reduce the ground Kashmiri chili and let each person add extra lemon at the table.

Substitutions

  • Replace ghee with extra-virgin olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free base.
  • Replace cauliflower florets with broccoli florets for a similar texture and cooking time.
  • Replace fresh coriander with fresh mint for a different, fresh finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool the rice and vegetable masala quickly, then refrigerate in separate containers if possible. Reheat the masala in a frying pan with a splash of water until piping hot, and reheat the rice in the microwave or a steamer until hot throughout. Freeze for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 bowls
  • Total time: 40min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Beginner friendly Freezer friendly Kid friendly

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