Cauliflower Sauté

(click to enlarge)	Cauliflower Sauté India - Kashmir - Gobi Dum
	Serves: Effort: Sched: Do ahead:	4 side *** 1 hr Yes		In contrast to most of India, cauliflower is often available in relatively cool Kashmir and a popular vegetable there. This recipe is an outstandingly delicious use of cauliflower as a side dish or light vegetarian main dish. In keeping with the region its spicing is richly aromatic and not chili hot.

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2
1
1/2
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1/2
1/2
1
1/2
2
2
4
1
1/16
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T
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Cauliflower
Ginger root
Chili powder (1)
Turmeric
Coriander seed
Garam Masala (2)
Lemon Juice
Salt
Yogurt (opt)
Water
Oil (1)
Cumin seed
Asafoetida (1)
-- Garnish
Cilantro leaves

PREP

Cut CAULIFLOWER into medium florets with long thin stems.
Slice GINGER very thin and cut into fine slivers.
Grind CORIANDER and mix together ALL * Items including , Lemon Juice and Yogurt (if used).
Separate CORIANDER LEAVES from stems for garnish.

RUN

Heat OIL in a roomy sauté pan over high flame. Stir in Cumin Seed and Asafoetida and fry stirring for only 20 seconds, then stir in Cauliflower. Cover tightly and leave on high flames for 1 minute.
Remove the lid, tumble the Cauliflower and cover tightly again for another 1 minute. Repeat as many times as needed until cauliflower is golden brown.
Stir in Spice Mix until cauliflower is uniformly coated. Cover tightly and cook over very low heat for about 10 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
Garnish with Cilantro Leaves and serve with Indian bread or steamed basmati rice.

NOTES:

Chili Powder: Kashmir chili powder is, of course, most appropriate, but lacking that a hot paprika or other relatively mild chili powder. See my Chili Page for details.
Garam Masala: is a spice mix used in the north and northwest regions of India. Here is a typical Garam Masala mix (there are many variations).
Oil: In Kashmir either ghee or mustard oil may be used. If using mustard oil heat it until it just starts to smoke (this changes the flavor), then take it off the heat for a few seconds before adding ingredients . Myself, I use pure or pomace olive oil, and so does Julie Sahni.
Asafoetida: This resin powder is used to add a sophisticated flavor to recipes for people culturally forbidden to eat onions and garlic. Of course we barbarians are free to use a little chopped onion and garlic instead if we wish.
U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch