6 winter vegetables that can be cooked without using tomatoes

Winter is the perfect season to enjoy fresh, nutrient-packed vegetables. However, if you’re looking to skip tomatoes due to rising prices or personal preferences, there are plenty of ways to prepare delicious dishes with seasonal winter vegetables. Here are 6 versatile winter vegetables and ideas for cooking them without tomatoes:PalakSpinach is a winter favourite and can be prepared in a variety of ways. A simple recipe is Palak Bhaji, where spinach is sauteed with garlic, green chillies, and cumin seeds. Add some roasted peanuts or grated coconut for added flavour.Phool GobhiCauliflower alone without tomatoes can shine. Make Gobhi Masala by cooking cauliflower florets along with onions, ginger, turmeric, and garam masala. Adding yoghurt or a splash of lemon juice will give it a tanginess.GajarSweet winter carrots can be transformed into an awesome Carrot Stir-Fry by sauteing them with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. Adding jaggery and grated coconut can make it sweet.MooliOne does not need tomatoes to make winter vegetables shine either. Try the Mooli Bhurji-the dry sabzi with grated radish, green chillies, a pinch of asafoetida and turmeric. Garnish with fresh coriander leavesShalgamTurnips are ideal for those hearty dishes during winter. Simple Shalgam Sabzi can be done by cooking dice of turnip with ginger, cumin seeds, coriander powder and a dash of tamarind water add tanginess.MatarFresh green peas make a winter pleasure turn into an easy-to-cook Matar Stir-Fry. Saute peas with cumin, green chillies, and a dash of black pepper. Add the richness of stir-fried grated paneer to the dish for an added boost of flavour.Tips for tomato-free cookingIf you want to ditch the tomatoes in your vegetables, then you can always use yoghurt, tamarind, or amchur powder for a tangy flavour. Yoghurt is often added in Kashmiri cuisine as the tangy ingredient as there is less availability of tomatoes there. For thickening the gravies, opt for coconut milk, gram flour, or pureed vegetables like pumpkin can replace tomato-based gravies. You can also experiment with spices to enhance the flavours with spices like fennel, cumin, and garam masala.Winter vegetables are not only nutritious but also versatile enough to be cooked without tomatoes. These recipes highlight the natural flavours of the produce and provide delicious alternatives for your winter menu. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and savour the taste of the season!(Images courtesy: Canva)