Steamed Vegetable Recipe – Indian Style with Sesame & Herbs

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Steamed Vegetable Recipe – Indian Style with Sesame & Herbs

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to sneak more veggies into your diet – and make them delicious while you’re at it. This steamed vegetable recipe is a total lifesaver. It’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavour thanks to a little Indian-inspired twist. I first made this when I was trying to eat healthier, and honestly, it’s become a regular on our dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average steamed veggie dish. We’re taking simple, fresh vegetables and elevating them with a vibrant mix of lemon, pepper, and a gorgeous sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds and fragrant herbs. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect as a side dish or even a light meal. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6-7 Beans (approximately 150g)
• 2 Carrots (approximately 100g)
• 1 Potato (small, approximately 75g)
• 1 Turnip (approximately 75g)
• 10 Broccoli florets (approximately 150g)
• 10 Cauliflower florets (approximately 150g)
• ½ medium-sized Sweet Corn (approximately 100g kernels)
• ¼ cup Peas (approximately 40g)
• Lemon juice – to taste (about 1-2 tbsp)
• Pepper powder – to taste (about ½ tsp)
• Salt – as needed
• Roasted Sesame seeds – as needed (about 1 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp Coriander leaves or parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• ½ tsp Oregano

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients! Roasting the sesame seeds is a game-changer – it brings out their nutty flavour. Just a quick dry roast in a pan until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Don’t skip it!

Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) are a must for that authentic Indian flavour. But if you’re not a fan, parsley works beautifully too. And the dried basil and oregano? I love how these Italian herbs add a unique twist to the Indian palate. It’s a little fusion that just works. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and pepper to your liking – everyone’s taste buds are different!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give all your vegetables a good wash. Then, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps them steam evenly and quickly.
2. Now, get your steamer ready. Fill a pan with water and bring it to a boil. Place your steamer (bamboo, stainless steel, or even a Tupperware Steam It!) over the boiling water.
3. Arrange the veggies in the steamer, putting those that take longer to cook (like carrots and potatoes) on the bottom layer, and the quicker ones (like beans and peas) on top.
4. Cover the steamer and let the veggies steam until they’re tender-crisp – about 6 minutes. The beans might need an extra 2-3 minutes. You want them cooked through but still with a little bite!
5. Once steamed, let the vegetables cool completely. This is important so they don’t get mushy when you add the dressing.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooled vegetables with lemon juice, pepper powder, and salt. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
7. Finally, sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds, chopped coriander leaves, dried basil, and oregano. Give it one last mix, and… that’s it!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the steamer. Steam in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• For extra flavour, you can add a pinch of turmeric powder to the steaming water.
• A little bit of ghee (clarified butter) drizzled over the steamed vegetables before serving adds a lovely richness.

Variations

• For the kids: My little one isn’t always thrilled with mixed veggies, so I sometimes sneak in a little grated cheese with the herbs. It works wonders!
• Spicy kick: My husband loves a bit of heat, so I often add a finely chopped green chili to the mix.
• Different Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favourite vegetables! Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini all work well.

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your steamer is vegan-friendly (some materials might contain animal products).

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Green Chilies)

Want to add some heat? Simply add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies along with the lemon juice and spices. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

Festival Adaptation (Adding to a Thali for Makar Sankranti or Onam Sadya)

Steamed vegetables make a wonderful addition to a festive Indian thali! They provide a light and healthy counterpoint to richer dishes, and the vibrant colours look beautiful on the plate. They’re perfect for Makar Sankranti or Onam Sadya.

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately for the best flavour and texture. These steamed vegetables are fantastic as a side dish with dal and rice, roti, or even grilled chicken or fish. They’re also delicious cold as part of a salad.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables might lose a little of their crispness, but they’ll still taste great!

FAQs

What vegetables are best for steaming?

Pretty much any vegetable! Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes are all excellent choices.

How do I know when the vegetables are perfectly steamed?

They should be tender-crisp – cooked through but still with a little bite. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.

Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just add a few extra minutes to the steaming time.

What is the best way to roast sesame seeds?

Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and roast, stirring constantly, until they’re lightly golden and fragrant – about 2-3 minutes. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly!

Can I add other herbs or spices to this steamed vegetable recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavour combinations. Cumin powder, coriander powder, or even a pinch of garam masala would be delicious.