Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Ingredients

   Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables as instructed. Ensure potatoes are diced and soaked in water.

2. 2.Heat Oil and Temper Cumin Seeds

   Place a pan on medium heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds and let them pop.

3. 3.Sauté Garlic and Ginger

   Add 2 tablespoons of garlic and ginger paste to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the raw smell is gone.

4. 4.Sauté Onions

   Add 2 medium chopped onions to the pan. Add 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) to help the onions cook faster. Stir and cook until the onions are softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.

5. 5.Add Hing and Tomatoes

   Add 1 teaspoon of hing (asafoetida) and 3 chopped tomatoes. Stir well and cook until the tomatoes soften, about 3-4 minutes.

6. 6.Add Potatoes and Turmeric

   Add the diced potatoes and 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder to the pan. Mix thoroughly to ensure the potatoes are well coated with the spices.

7. 7.Partially Cook Potatoes

   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the potatoes cook for 5-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. 8.Add Ridge Gourd and Spices

   After 8-10 minutes, add the 1 kg of chopped ridge gourd. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of coriander powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin powder. Mix all ingredients together.

9. 9.Cook Ridge Gourd

   Cover the pan again and continue to cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The ridge gourd will release water.

10. 10.Add Bell Peppers

    After about 5 minutes of cooking the ridge gourd, add the 3 cut bell peppers (mild chilies). Stir them into the sabzi and cover the pan again.

11. 11.Finish Cooking

    Continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender and the sabzi is fully cooked. The potatoes should be soft.

12. 12.Final Seasoning and Garnish

    Turn off the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of garam masala and 1 teaspoon of kasuri methi, crushed between your palms. Optionally, add 1 small chopped tomato for extra freshness. Garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander.

13. 13.Serve

    Serve the hot Ram Tori Sabzi with roti, paratha, or rice. Enjoy!