Chef Bal Ajgaonkar is an accomplished culinary professional whose cooking is inspired by the rich coastal flavors of Malvan, India. Trained in Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Tourism, he built his expertise in some of India’s leading five-star hotels, mastering the foundations of classical cuisine.
Over the years, he refined his craft alongside internationally acclaimed and Michelin-starred chefs, developing a philosophy centered on precision, seasonality, and respect for ingredients. Now based in Canada, Chef Bal brings a contemporary approach to regional Indian cuisine. As Executive Chef at Desi Lounge in Vancouver, he blends traditional spice profiles with local ingredients, delivering innovative and elevated dining experiences.
To cook sabzi style dishes in the air fryer, chop things a little smaller than you would for stovetop cooking. In this preparation, I cut the bell peppers and onions smaller than usual.
Prepare the tadka: In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent and lightly browned. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili (if using). Cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste, salt, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is fragrant.
