This Corn Capsicum Masala is a creamy, flavorful Indian curry made without onion and garlic. Sweet corn and tender-crisp capsicum are cooked in a rich tomato, yogurt, and cashew gravy that's delicately spiced and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're making a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive vegetarian meal, this delicious curry is sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time: 10 minutesmins
Cook Time: 30 minutesmins
Total Time: 40 minutesmins
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Jain, No Onion No Garlic, Vegetarian
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Ingredients
1tablespoonoil
1teaspooncumin seeds
½ -inchcinnamon stick
2green cardamom
2cloves
½teaspoongreen chili paste or to taste
1tablespoonginger paste
¼teaspoonhing
2medium tomatoes(finely chopped or crushed)
¼teaspoonturmeric powder
1½teaspoonKashmiri red chili powder
1½teaspooncoriander powder
½teaspooncumin powder
2-3tablespooncashew paste
¼cupthick or hung yogurt(whisked)
Salt to taste
½cupwater or as needed
1½cupssweet corn kernels
1large capsicum(diced)
½teaspoongaram masala
½teaspooncrushed kasuri methi
2-3tablespoonfinely chopped cilantro
Instructions
Heat oil in a kadai or pan. Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin seeds. Once cumin seeds start to sizzle, add chili paste, ginger paste, and hing. Saute for a few seconds and add chopped or crushed tomatoes.
Mix everything well, then cook the tomato mixture for 8-10 minutes, until the tomatoes are cooked and the mixture thickens. Stir frequently.
Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, cashew paste, yogurt, and salt to taste. Mix everything well, add ¼ cup of water, and then cook for 8-10 minutes, until the gravy thickens and the fat separates from the sides. Stir frequently.
Add sweet corn, ¼ cup of water or as needed to adjust the gravy, and mix well. Cover the lid and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the corn kernels are cooked. Add more water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Once the corn kernels are cooked, add the diced green peppers. Mix everything well, then continue cooking the curry for 3-4 minutes, or until the green peppers are cooked.
Finally, add garam masala, Kasuri methi, and cilantro. Adjust the salt if needed and serve Corn Capsicum Masala with Indian flatbread or rice.
Notes
Cook the Tomatoes Well: This is the most important step for a flavorful gravy. Let the tomatoes cook until they have completely softened, thickened, and lost their raw flavor. Properly cooked tomatoes create a rich, well-balanced base for the curry.
Use Thick Yogurt: Thick or hung yogurt works best because it adds richness without making the gravy watery, and it won't split while cooking. If your yogurt is slightly thin, strain it for 20-30 minutes before using. Always whisk the yogurt until smooth before adding to the pan.
Add the Yogurt Over Low Heat: Reduce the heat before stirring in the yogurt, then mix continuously until fully incorporated. This helps prevent the yogurt from curdling.
Cook the Masala Thoroughly: After adding the spices, cashew paste, and yogurt, let the gravy simmer for several minutes, stirring frequently. This step develops the flavors and removes the raw taste of yogurt and spices, giving the curry its restaurant-style richness.
Adjust the Gravy Consistency: Add a little extra water if you prefer a thinner curry for serving with rice, or keep it slightly thicker for serving with Indian bread.
Don't Overcook the Capsicum: Add the capsicum after the corn is nearly cooked, and simmer for 3-4 minutes. It should become tender while still retaining a slight crunch, which adds freshness and texture to the curry.
Crush the Kasuri Methi Before Adding It: Rub the dried fenugreek leaves gently between your palms before adding them to the curry. This enhances the aroma, giving the dish an authentic restaurant-style flavor.
Adjust the Spice Level: Sweet corn naturally balances the heat of the spices, so feel free to adjust the green chili paste and Kashmiri red chili powder to suit your family's preferences. Kashmiri chili powder adds a beautiful color without making the curry overly spicy.