Cauliflower Bhajji

Cauliflower Bhajji Recipe - A Spicy Indian Delight

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cauliflower Bhajji is a delicious and flavorful Indian dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal. This dish is made with cauliflower, onions, peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices that create a mouthwatering flavor profile.

History

Cauliflower Bhajji has its roots in Indian cuisine, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by many. The combination of cauliflower and spices has been a staple in Indian cooking for centuries, and this recipe is a modern twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

1 small cauliflower
Half an onion, finely chopped
Half an onion, chopped in large chunks
Half a green pepper, finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato puree
2 inches grated root ginger
4 cloves garlic, sliced
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tomato, quartered
5 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
vegetable oil

How to prepare

Boil the cauliflower in water with a pinch of salt and a dash of turmeric until it is cooked.
In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil and fry the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
Add the curry powder, cumin powder, sliced garlic, and grated ginger to the pan. Stir fry for 2 minutes.
Next, add the pepper, tomato puree, chunks of onion, tomato, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir fry for another 2 minutes.
Finally, add the boiled cauliflower to the pan and mix it well with the sauce. Serve immediately, topped with fresh coriander.

Variations

Add chickpeas or tofu for added protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or potatoes.
Experiment with different spice blends to create a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the cauliflower until it is tender but still has a slight crunch to it.

- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce.

- Serve the Cauliflower Bhajji with rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cauliflower Bhajji with steamed rice, naan bread, or a side of yogurt for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the cauliflower before adding it to the sauce to ensure it is cooked through.

- Stir fry the spices and vegetables to release their flavors and aromas.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use broccoli or Brussels sprouts instead of cauliflower.

- Substitute soy sauce for Worcestershire sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the boiled cauliflower.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Cauliflower Bhajji with fresh coriander leaves or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Cauliflower Bhajji with a refreshing cucumber raita or a tangy mango chutney for a burst of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 150

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Fats: 8g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Cauliflower is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Folate.

Alergens

Allergens: None

Summary

Cauliflower Bhajji is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Cauliflower Bhajji is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal. With a blend of aromatic spices and tender cauliflower, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Cauliflower Bhajji. The scent of the spices and the sizzle of the frying oil still linger in my memory, transporting me back to that fateful day when I learned how to make this delicious dish.

It all started when I was visiting my friend Meera, who was known for her exceptional cooking skills. As soon as I entered her kitchen, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Meera was busy chopping vegetables and stirring pots on the stove, her hands moving with practiced ease.

Curious about what she was making, I asked her about the dish she was preparing. With a twinkle in her eye, Meera replied, "I'm making Cauliflower Bhajji, a traditional Indian snack that is perfect for rainy days like today."

Intrigued, I asked if I could help her with the cooking. Meera happily agreed and handed me a cauliflower to chop into florets. As I carefully separated the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, Meera shared with me the secret to making the perfect Cauliflower Bhajji.

She explained that the key to a flavorful Cauliflower Bhajji lies in the spice mix used to coat the florets before frying. Meera's blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder was a well-guarded family recipe that had been passed down through generations.

Once the cauliflower was coated in the fragrant spice mix, Meera showed me how to fry them to golden perfection. The hot oil sizzled as we dropped the cauliflower florets one by one, watching them turn crispy and irresistible.

As we sat down to enjoy our freshly cooked Cauliflower Bhajji, Meera recounted how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had taught her the art of cooking traditional Indian dishes with love and care.

Inspired by Meera's passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving her family's culinary heritage, I resolved to make Cauliflower Bhajji a regular part of my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twist by incorporating ingredients like gram flour and fresh herbs. Each time I made Cauliflower Bhajji, I felt a sense of connection to my friend Meera and her grandmother, as if their culinary wisdom was guiding me through the process.

As I shared my version of Cauliflower Bhajji with friends and family, it became a beloved dish that was requested at every gathering and celebration. The crispy, spicy cauliflower florets never failed to impress, earning me the reputation of a skilled cook who could whip up delicious snacks at a moment's notice.

Through the years, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe for Cauliflower Bhajji, tweaking the spice mix and cooking technique to suit my tastes and preferences. Each batch I made was a labor of love, a tribute to the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me by Meera and her grandmother.

And now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar aromas of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover the recipe for Cauliflower Bhajji. It may have started with a simple visit to a friend's house, but it has since blossomed into a cherished culinary tradition that I will continue to pass down to future generations.

So the next time you find yourself craving a crispy, flavorful snack that packs a spicy punch, why not try your hand at making Cauliflower Bhajji? Who knows, you might just stumble upon a recipe that will become a beloved favorite in your own kitchen, just like it did in mine.