Gujarati Easy

Sambharo

Name: Sambharo
Prep time: PT10MINUTES
Cook time: PT5MINUTES
Total time: PT15MINUTES
Yield: 7 servings
Cuisine: Gujarati
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp black mustard seeds; 1 none green chili (thinly sliced); 10 none fresh curry leaves (optional but recommended); 1 pinch asafetida (optional); 6 cups green cabbage (shredded, about ½ small head); 2 cups carrots (julienned, about 2 medium carrots); 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 3/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp lime juice (about ½ small lime); 2 tbsp cilantro (chopped, optional)

Quick-cooked Gujarati cabbage and carrot slaw

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— (0 ratings)

⏱️ 15 minutes 10 minutes prep · 5 minutes cook

🍽️ 7 Serves

52 Calories

1g Protein

8g Carbs

2g Fat

Why This Recipe Works

Sambharo is a flash-cooked slaw that provides a bright, crisp contrast to more slow-simmered vegetable dishes. The key is to stop cooking while the cabbage still retains its crunch, making it a perfect quick-fix side for any Indian meal.

Instructions

Heat the oil in a deep, wide pan or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the mustard seeds and wait for them to start popping and dancing, which should take about 30 seconds.

Lower the heat to low, then add the green chili, curry leaves, and asafetida. Use a lid if needed to contain the oil spatter as the moisture from the aromatics hits the hot pan.

💡 Covering the pan for a few seconds immediately after adding the leaves prevents oil from jumping onto the stovetop.

Add the cabbage, carrots, turmeric, and salt. Increase the heat to medium and stir for about 3 minutes, until the vegetables are vibrant and just slightly softened while maintaining a distinct crunch.

Remove from the heat and stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed and serve at room temperature or chilled.