This Indian style Red Cabbage Stir-fry or sambharo is a delicious warm side dish. Shredded red cabbage is sauteed in a simple Indian tempering/vaghar.
During the winter season, I like to use red cabbage for my Indian recipes as it is easily available and cheap. I tend to make this easy stir-fry recipe and winter slaw on rotation.
Sambharo is a warm Indian salad that is made with various grated vegetables and simple Indian spices. Think of it a little bit like an Indian slaw.
Most common recipes are carrot sambharo and papaya no sambharo.
Usually, I would make gujarati sambharo with white cabbage or green cabbage but it tastes equally good with vibrant red cabbage.
The vegetables are sauteed on a medium-high heat so they cook fast and retain crunch and colour.
Ingredients notes
Be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Red cabbage - also known as purple cabbage. You can use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to shred the cabbage.
Green chillies - slit or cut.
Oil
Mustard seeds - black mustard seeds are most common for sambharo stir fry.
Lemon juice or lime juice
Sugar - typical in Gujarati recipes, it helps to balance the flavour.
Optional - fenugreek seeds
Alternatively, use panch phoran.
You can also add curry leaves.
Add in sliced green bell peppers for extra crunch.
Method
The method is pretty simple. You want to heat the oil and add mustard seeds and hing once its hot. Wait for the mustard seeds to splutter - it releases the flavour. Then switch the heat to high and tip in the cabbage and green chillies. You want to stir fry on high heat so the vegetables retain some texture. Season with salt, sugar. I like to add the lemon juice once the sambharo is taken off the heat.
Serving suggestion
Serve Indian red cabbage stir-fry as part of a Gujarati thali. You'll find a vegetarian curry, typically a Gujarati shaak, gujarati dal, basmati rice and rotli.
Storage
Store Indian red cabbage recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Can be served chilled or warm.
I do not recommend freezing this recipe as the cabbage will loose its crunch.
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📖 Recipe
Indian Red Cabbage Stir-fry
Equipment
- 1 pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup red cabbage shredded
- 2 green chillies slit into two
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan or wok on high heat, add mustard seeds.
- After 8-10 seconds add green chillies.
- OPTIONAL - add fenugreek seeds, curry leaves and green peppers if using.
- Fry everything for 10-20 seconds and add red cabbage.
- Turn the heat high and add salt and sugar.
- Cook the stir-fry/sambharo just for 2 minutes.
- Turn of the heat, add lemon juice.
- Mix well.
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Share on Facebook Pin This RecipeNote – This recipe has been updated from our recipe archives with new images and content, but the recipe remains the same. First published in October 2015.
Hayley Dhanecha says
This Indian-style red cabbage stir fry is one of those simple dishes that turns out so good and incredibly tasty with just a few spices. The cabbage cooks down beautifully while still keeping a slight crunch, soaking up all the warm, fragrant flavours. I love serving it with roti or dal rice—it’s quick, colourful and so satisfying.
Julie says
Gorgeous photos! This recipe is right up my ally. It pairs well with so many dishes!
Anonymous says
The color is so pretty from the cabbage. The recipe will go well with many dishes I make.
Cliona says
This would go perfectly along with a Sunday lunch! I love the vibrant colours too!
Daniela says
Your photographs are amazing! And this looks like the perfect recipe for fall.
Amy|The Cook Report says
Such a gorgeous, vibrant colour! This looks awesome
Unknown says
Such a series of gorgeous photos! I must be sure to try this super easy and quick dish when I get some red cabbage next time.
Janette | Culinary Ginger says
I have to admit, I do not cook enough with red cabbage and I need to make this delicious recipe.
Unknown says
Gorgeous red cabbage! I usually buy the green kind, but I think it's time to switch it up! 🙂 I am excited to have found a new way to enjoy this veg! 😀
MsBrandiDenise says
This looks delicious and what gorgeous photos!
Niloufer Riyaz says
must try warm salad for cold winters...