Many years ago, I ran a vegetarian restaurant in Bloomington, Indiana. One of our Indian friends and customers gave me this recipe, which I’ve revised over the years. (Thank you, Santosh, wherever you are!)
This is a nice curry for a weeknight since it doesn’t involve too much heavy lifting. There are many versions in India, of course, but this one makes a substantial vegetarian meal.
The official name for this dish is “shahi” cauliflower curry. The word shahi roughly translates as “royal,” and it is indeed a royal dish!
Turmeric is the lead spice in this curry. It’s what gives the curry its sunny yellow color, and is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It’s the superfood of spices.
By the way, here’s a good trick for cutting apart the cauliflower, which I learned on the job at my first restaurant near Woodstock, New York. Our friendly neighbor, chef, and mentor taught us to cut a deep cross at the base and then separate the head into quarters. Slice away the core and outer leaves. Then, with a paring knife, cut between the little “branches” to make florets.
Serve this easy vegetarian curry with naan bread, cucumber raita, and a salad, and dinner is done!
Turmeric Cauliflower Curry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower (about 1 3/4 pounds)
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 1/4 pounds)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 1 poblano chili pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
- 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 limes, quartered, for garnish
- Blender or food processor
.
.
.
EmoticonEmoticon