Cauliflower Sabzi (Side)

Dec 7th 2010

When I think of Cauliflower, I can hear in my head many an aunty's voice " I got only english vegetables in the market today." Cauliflower, Bell peppers and the like are so called English vegetables by many a south indian ladies. In my mind, English or American or Indian, if it is a vegetable that tastes good, can be made easily, I treat them all equally in my home :)

Anyway, I love this vegetables because it is very versatile. It can be fried, boiled and used in curries and sautéed and used as sides. One step further and it can either be used slightly cooked/raw in salads or be baked as a casserole. Some argue that it does not have a distinct taste but I beg to differ there. I think it has a very distinct taste and actually absorbs other flavors well too.

This is a quick and easy dish that goes well with most south indian gravies mixed with rice. It can also be eaten by itself, rolled in a chappathi as a vegetable roll or mixed with some cheese and used a filling for a sandwich.

Difficulty level : Easy 

Time:  under 30 min

Ingredients

• 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
• turmeric powder ( a pinch)
• oil
• mustard ( 1 tbsp)
• urad and chana dal ( 1 tbsp each)
• red chillies ( 2-3)
• curry leaves ( a few)
• salt ( to taste)
• curry or sambar powder ( 2 tbsp)

Method de Preparation

1. Wash and cut  cauliflower in florets.
2. Keep in a microwave bowl, sprinkle sufficient water and cook for 5-6 minutes in gaps so the vegetable becomes slightly soft. Alternative is to cook covered but that causes it to become mushy.
3. Take oil in a pan, add the mustard and when it splutters, add the red chillies, urad and chana dhal.
4. Then add the vegetables and a pinch of turmeric.
5. Saute without poking too much, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the vegetables are mostly cooked, add the salt and curry/sambar powder. 
7. Finally add some curry leaves and turn off heat.