Onion, potato or bell pepper pieces

Use the same total weight, cut into even pieces. Cooking times vary, so add dense vegetables first and soft ones later; the dish will be more varied but less focused.

Use the same weight, cut into pieces and parboil for 5 minutes if the recipe is quick. It gives a firmer, starchier bite and thickens the gravy slightly.

Use the same weight, deseeded and cut into pieces. It cooks faster and stays sweeter and juicier; add it later so it does not collapse.