Cauliflower al-Shami Recipe - Lebanese Vegetarian Dish with Olive Oil and Coriander

Cauliflower al-Shami

Cauliflower al-Shami Recipe - Lebanese Vegetarian Dish with Olive Oil and Coriander
Region / culture: Lebanon | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cauliflower al-Shami
Cauliflower al-Shami

Cauliflower al-Shami is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that features tender cauliflower florets sautéed with garlic and fresh coriander. This recipe is simple yet flavorful, making it a perfect side dish or vegetarian main course.

History

Cauliflower al-Shami has its roots in Syrian cuisine, where cauliflower is a popular vegetable used in a variety of dishes. This recipe showcases the versatility of cauliflower and highlights its ability to absorb the flavors of the garlic and coriander.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cut the cauliflower into small florets.
  2. Gently heat the olive oil and sauté the sliced garlic until it becomes soft, which should take about 2 – 3 minutes.
  3. Increase the heat and stir-fry the cauliflower florets for an additional 2 – 3 minutes, ensuring they are well coated with the oil.
  4. Reduce the heat, partially cover with a lid, and cook until the cauliflower becomes soft, approximately 4 minutes.
  5. Add the chopped coriander, toss for an additional minute, and serve.

Variations

  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Top with toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the cauliflower into small florets to ensure even cooking.

- Sautéing the garlic before adding the cauliflower helps to release its flavor and aroma.

- Cooking the cauliflower with a partially covered lid helps to steam and soften the florets.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cauliflower al-Shami as a side dish with grilled chicken or lamb.

- Pair it with rice or flatbread for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the garlic before adding the cauliflower helps to infuse the dish with flavor.

- Partially covering the pan while cooking the cauliflower helps to steam and soften the florets.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use broccoli or Brussels sprouts in place of cauliflower for a different twist on this dish.

- Substitute parsley or mint for the coriander if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cauliflower florets and garlic ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of lemon juice before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cauliflower al-Shami with a crisp white wine or a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- One serving of Cauliflower al-Shami contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

- Cauliflower is a low-carb vegetable, making this dish a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

- While cauliflower is not a significant source of protein, this dish can be paired with a protein-rich main course to create a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as folate and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Cauliflower al-Shami is a nutritious and low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cauliflower al-Shami is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of cauliflower. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious side dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Cauliflower al-Shami. It was many years ago, during my travels in the Middle East. I had always been fascinated by the vibrant flavors and exotic spices of the region, and I was eager to learn as much as I could about their traditional dishes.

One day, I found myself in a bustling market in the city of Damascus. The air was filled with the fragrant aroma of spices and herbs, and I couldn't help but be drawn to a small food stall where a kind elderly woman was cooking up a storm. She greeted me warmly and invited me to sit and watch as she prepared a dish unlike anything I had ever seen before.

As she worked, she explained to me the ingredients and techniques she was using. The dish, she told me, was called Cauliflower al-Shami, a popular and beloved recipe in the region. It was a simple yet flavorful dish, made with tender cauliflower, juicy tomatoes, and a delicious blend of spices.

I was mesmerized as I watched her cook, taking mental notes of every step and every ingredient she used. I could see the passion and love she put into her cooking, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After she had finished cooking, the kind woman served me a steaming hot bowl of Cauliflower al-Shami. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with a burst of flavors. It was truly a culinary delight, and I knew that I had to add this recipe to my collection.

I asked the woman if she would be willing to share her recipe with me, and to my delight, she agreed. She patiently guided me through the process, explaining each step in detail and offering tips and tricks along the way.

I spent the next few days perfecting the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste. And finally, after many trials and errors, I had mastered the art of making Cauliflower al-Shami.

Since then, this dish has become a family favorite, loved by all who taste it. Whenever I make it, the memories of that kind woman in the Damascus market come flooding back to me, and I am filled with gratitude for her generosity in sharing her recipe with me.

Over the years, I have continued to learn and explore new recipes from different cultures and cuisines. Each one has its own unique story and flavor, but Cauliflower al-Shami will always hold a special place in my heart as the dish that introduced me to the beauty of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Now, as I pass down this recipe to my grandchildren, I hope that they will also experience the same joy and wonder that I felt when I first discovered it. And I am grateful for the opportunity to share not just a recipe, but a piece of my own culinary journey with them.

Categories

| Cauliflower Recipes | Cilantro Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Lebanese Recipes | Lebanese Vegetarian |

Recipes with the same ingredients

(3) Bakalar
(3) Tzaziki