Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry
Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry Recipe - Originated in India
Introduction
Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of cauliflower with the creamy richness of coconut milk. This vegetarian curry is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests.
History
This recipe has its roots in South Indian cuisine, where coconut milk is a common ingredient in curries. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors well, making it a perfect match for the fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk in this dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large or 2 small cauliflower heads
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 400 ml (4 dcl) coconut milk
- 1 – 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 200 ml (2 dcl) warm water
- 2 cloves of garlic (or to taste)
- 1 fresh green chili
- 0.5 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp sugar
- salt - to taste (0.5 tsp)
- 3 tbsp tamarind juice (from 1 tsp of wet tamarind) or to taste
How to prepare
- Separate the cauliflower florets.
- Cut the tomatoes (peeled or unpeeled) into 8 pieces.
- Blend the onion, garlic, chili, and turmeric into a paste using a blender or food processor.
- Heat the paste in a large, deep pan, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the cauliflower florets and mix well.
- Pour in the coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Allow the curry to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tamarind juice and diced tomatoes. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve with rice or as a side dish with another curry.
Variations
- Add chickpeas or tofu for extra protein.
- Include other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different spices like cumin, coriander, or garam masala for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to blend the onion, garlic, chili, and turmeric into a smooth paste to ensure even distribution of flavors in the curry.
- Adjust the amount of tamarind juice to suit your taste preferences – it adds a tangy kick to the dish.
- For a richer curry, you can use full-fat coconut milk instead of light coconut milk.
- To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based oil instead of ghee for cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cauliflower and coconut milk curry with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal. It also pairs well with other Indian curries and vegetable dishes.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to simmer the curry gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir the curry occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the cauliflower.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have tamarind juice, you can use lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- Substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes if needed.
- Use any cooking oil of your choice in place of the recommended oil.
Make Ahead Tips
This curry can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the cauliflower and coconut milk curry with fresh cilantro leaves or toasted coconut flakes for a pop of color and texture.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this curry with a refreshing cucumber raita or a side of pickled vegetables to balance out the richness of the coconut milk.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of the cauliflower and coconut milk curry in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of cauliflower and coconut milk curry contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
The cauliflower and coconut milk curry is a low-carb dish, with approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fats
Coconut milk is a rich source of healthy fats, providing around 20 grams of fat per serving of this curry.
Proteins
This curry contains about 5 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying vegetarian meal option.
Vitamins and minerals
Cauliflower is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, while coconut milk provides essential minerals like manganese and copper.
Alergens
This recipe contains coconut milk, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.
Summary
Overall, this cauliflower and coconut milk curry is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this curry is a satisfying vegetarian meal option for any occasion. Enjoy it with rice or as a side dish with other curries for a complete Indian feast.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry. It was a warm summer day, the kind where the air is thick with humidity and the sun beats down relentlessly. I was visiting a quaint little spice shop in the heart of the city, searching for some exotic ingredients to add to my ever-expanding collection.
As I browsed the shelves, my eyes fell upon a small, weathered book tucked away in the corner. The title read "Secrets of Indian Cuisine" and I knew I had stumbled upon a treasure trove of culinary delights. I eagerly flipped through the pages, my fingers tracing the faded words and delicate illustrations.
And there it was, nestled between recipes for Tandoori Chicken and Masala Dosa – Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry. The description painted a tantalizing picture of a creamy, fragrant dish bursting with flavors of cumin, turmeric, and ginger. I knew I had to try it.
I purchased the book without a second thought and hurried home to my kitchen. As I gathered the ingredients – a head of cauliflower, a can of coconut milk, a handful of spices – I could feel the excitement building within me. This was a recipe that promised to transport me to faraway lands with just one taste.
I started by sautéing onions and garlic in a generous amount of ghee, letting their sweet aroma fill the kitchen. Then came the spices – cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of chili powder for a hint of heat. The fragrance that wafted from the pan was intoxicating, a heady mix of earthy and spicy notes that made my mouth water in anticipation.
Next, I added the cauliflower florets, tossing them in the fragrant spice mixture until they were coated evenly. Then came the star of the show – the coconut milk. I poured it over the cauliflower, watching as it bubbled and simmered, transforming into a rich, creamy sauce that clung to the vegetables like a velvet blanket.
As the curry simmered on the stove, filling the air with its mouthwatering aroma, I couldn't help but think back to the many recipes I had collected over the years. Each one had a story behind it, a memory attached to it that made it more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a link to the people and places that had shaped my love for cooking.
I remembered the spicy lamb curry I had learned to make from a kind old woman I met on a trip to Morocco, her hands guiding mine as we stirred the pot together. I recalled the delicate dumplings filled with shrimp and pork that a street vendor in Vietnam had taught me to make, his laughter ringing in my ears as I struggled to get the shape just right.
And now, as I stirred the Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry, feeling the weight of the memories in each swirl of the spoon, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just a dish – it was a reminder of the endless possibilities that lay before me, waiting to be explored and savored.
As I sat down to enjoy the fruits of my labor, savoring each bite of the creamy, fragrant curry, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. It was a dish that spoke to me on a deep, soulful level, a reminder of the joy and passion that cooking brought into my life.
And as I finished the last morsel, a contented smile on my face, I knew that this recipe would be one that I would cherish and pass down for generations to come. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to bring us together in a shared experience of love and nourishment.
And so, as the sun began to set on that warm summer day, I sat back in my chair, grateful for the serendipitous moment that had led me to discover the magic of Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry. It was a recipe that had found its way into my heart, a reminder of the beauty and joy that cooking brought into my life. And for that, I would be forever thankful.
Categories
| Cauliflower Recipes | Coconut Milk Recipes | Curry Recipes | Indian Recipes | Tomato Recipes |