Djiboutian Vegetable Curry
A flavorful and aromatic vegetable curry inspired by Djiboutian cuisine, featuring a blend of warming spices, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. This dish showcases the influence of Middle Eastern and Indian culinary traditions on Djibouti's food.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 2 medium Carrots(sliced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1/2 head Cauliflower(cut into florets)
- 1 cup Green beans(trimmed and cut)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Cardamom
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Ensure the onions are cooked until soft to release their sweetness. - 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
💡 Tip: Toasting the spices in oil helps to release their full flavor. - 4
Add the sliced carrots, cubed potatoes, cauliflower florets, and green beans to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spice mixture.
- 5
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
💡 Tip: The tomato paste adds depth and richness to the sauce. - 6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
💡 Tip: Check occasionally and add a little more water if the curry becomes too dry. - 7
Season the curry with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well.
- 8
Serve the Djiboutian Vegetable Curry hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. It pairs well with rice or traditional Djiboutian flatbread like Laxoox.
💡 Tip: A squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright, fresh finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes.
- ✓For a richer flavor, a tablespoon of ghee can be used in addition to or instead of vegetable oil.
- ✓This curry can be made ahead of time and reheated, as the flavors often deepen overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of drained chickpeas or lentils for added protein and fiber.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon or two of coconut milk or yogurt at the end of cooking.
- Incorporate other spices like fenugreek or a pinch of garam masala for a different flavor profile.