Vegetable Salan
A classic Hyderabadi curry featuring a medley of vegetables simmered in a rich, tangy gravy made from peanuts, sesame seeds, and tamarind. It's the perfect, flavorful accompaniment to biryani or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast Masala Ingredients
- b.In a dry pan over medium heat, roast the peanuts for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
- c.In the same pan, roast the sesame seeds for 1-2 minutes until they pop and turn golden. Add them to the plate with the peanuts.
- d.Finally, toast the desiccated coconut for about 1 minute until lightly golden. Add to the plate and let all roasted ingredients cool completely.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grind the Salan Paste
- b.Once cooled, transfer the roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut to a grinder or blender.
- c.Add the roughly chopped onion and grind to a very smooth paste. Add a few tablespoons of water if necessary to facilitate grinding.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Temper and Sauté Vegetables
- b.Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or kadai over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Immediately add the cumin seeds and curry leaves, and sauté for 30 seconds.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- c.Add the ground salan paste to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes. The paste will darken, and you'll see oil separating from the sides.
- d.Pour in 3 cups of water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the tamarind paste, grated jaggery, and salt. Mix well.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- c.Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully cooked and the gravy has a slightly thin consistency with a layer of oil on top.
- d.Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves before serving.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Vegetable Salan hot alongside Hyderabadi Biryani, Bagara Khana (spiced rice), or plain steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry roasting the peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut is the most critical step for achieving the authentic, nutty flavor of the salan. Do not rush this process.
- 2For the smoothest gravy, grind the masala paste with a little water until it is completely fine and creamy.
- 3The balance of tangy (tamarind) and sweet (jaggery) is key. Taste the gravy after simmering and adjust if needed.
- 4Salan develops more flavor over time. It often tastes even better the next day.
- 5Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
- 6For a richer flavor, you can use peanut oil or sesame oil for cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 200g of cubed paneer or 1 cup of boiled chickpeas along with the vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
Add 1 tablespoon of white poppy seeds (khus khus) while roasting the other masala ingredients for a thicker, creamier consistency.
Mirchi ka SalanMirchi ka Salan
Replace the mixed vegetables with 8-10 large, light green chilies (like Bhavnagri or banana peppers). Slit them, optionally deseed, and shallow fry before adding to the gravy.
Baingan ka SalanBaingan ka Salan
Use 8-10 small, round brinjals (eggplants) instead of mixed vegetables. Make criss-cross slits at the bottom, shallow fry them until tender, and then add them to the simmering gravy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Peanuts and sesame seeds provide monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help in managing cholesterol levels.
High in Dietary Fiber
The variety of vegetables and the inclusion of nuts and seeds make this dish high in fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
Peanuts and sesame seeds offer a significant amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The medley of vegetables provides a wide array of essential vitamins like A and C, and minerals such as potassium and iron, which support the immune system and overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Vegetable Salan (approximately 1 cup) contains an estimated 230-280 calories. The exact count can vary based on the specific vegetables and amount of oil used.