Sunday, July 10, 2016

Cauliflower Aloo Gobi from an American Kitchen

aloo gobi- Indian cauliflower dish


This is a tasty way to serve cauliflower. I never thought I would be making an authentic Indian cuisine recipe.  Cauliflower Aloo Gabi is a flavorful vegan side dish that is both beautiful to look at and outrageously delicious. Indian spices are rich and pungent adding quality nutritive value to this great side dish! ( Did you know that spices are high in antioxidants and nutrients?)

This was a first for me. As much as I love Indian food, I've only eaten Aloo Gobi in an Indian restaurant. Did I mention that this recipe is also gluten and grain free, making it perfect for my gluten free diet. Yes, it is real food, just the way I like it.

cauliflower and potato dish - Aloo Gobi

This Recipe is Easy Easy Easy- 

Can you steam and sauté?
 That's all you have to do. The most difficult part of this recipe was purchasing the spices. I always have turmeric and cumin in the house, and last year I invested in garam masala, (which is a combination of cumin, cardamom, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg) and I keep it in the freezer since I use it so infrequently.

You could certainly make your own garam masala, but if you don't already have all of the above spices, I think it's less expensive to just buy the combination. The garam masala really gives this dish the authentic Indian cuisine taste! You can keep it in the freezer and it will last for a year or more!

It's All in the Spices

The recipe itself just requires chopping of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger  and of course the cauliflower. See my notes below for an easy way to cut the cauliflower. To cut down on the work,  I buy frozen cubes of garlic, ginger and cilantro at Trader Joe's, Whole foods, and even some supermarkets. I find them in the freezer section in small little packages.

I'm not sure what inspired me to try this recipe. I saw the it on Pinterest, and I was surprised how simple it looked to make. I had a large cauliflower on hand, some of the spices, and company coming for dinner. I wanted to make something a little different with the cauliflower and decided to give this exotic recipe a try.

I followed the how to photos on Cook With Manali and in 45 minutes the recipe was finished. I tasted it and it was really good!  My company loved it over a bed of fluffy Basmati rice, Yum!
Success! Indian cuisine made right in my kitchen! What a treat.
Being vegetarian, I rounded out the meal with black beans, a delicious okra recipe,  and a summer tomato salad.

Saute garlic, ginger, tomato, and onions in a skillet 
Add turmeric, cumin, graham masala 

Add steamed cauliflower and steamed potatoes ( do not overcook cauliflower) 
cauliflower side dish

If you have an instant pot- yes- it can be made in the Instant Pot - one pot no mess!! love my Instant Pot. Follow the link for How to Make Aloo Gobi in the Instant Pot 


Judee Algazi @ Gluten Free A-Z Blog
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Adapted from: Cook With Manali
Serves: 4 side dishes

Ingredients: 
1 medium cauliflower, cut into chunk size flower-ettes
2 medium white potatoes, peeled and cubed small
2 Roma Type Tomatoes, diced
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped ( I used 2 frozen garlic cubes from Trader Joe's)
knob of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped ( I used 1 frozen ginger cube)
1/2 cup of vegetable broth or olive oil spray for sauteeing
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric ( careful- it stains)
1/4 teaspoon of garam masala ( go easy on this if you are not used to it)
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro or parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Steam the potatoes and cauliflower till almost soft- do not overcook cauliflower and set aside. ( start the potatoes first because they take longer than the cauliflower) 
  2. In a large skillet, sautee the onions and garlic in olive oil until slightly soft. 
  3. Add the tomatoes and ginger and continue to sautee until it becomes slightly saucy
  4. Add the steamed cauliflower and potatoes, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala
  5. Mix well, cover, and cook on a low heat ( stirring frequently) for about 10 minutes. 
  6. Place in a large bowl, toss with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve.
My Notes: 

  • If you are not accustomed to garam masala go easy- you can always add more
  • How to cut a cauliflower-  I Simply take the cauliflower ( you can even leave it in the wrapper)  and bang it core down ( yes bang it) down on the counter. The core will separate from the flowerettes and then you can just separate them more easily. Then proceed to use it in any recipe. 
  • Below is a Youtube I found on how to easily cut cauliflower if you don't want to use the Bang on Counter method. 
  • Make This recipe in the Instant Pot- see my new recipe


How to use a knife to cut cauliflower easily


Shared on Weekend Cooking which 
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22 comments:


  1. Indian food is one of my favorites, but like you I've never attempted to make it. I always find easy healthy recipes on your blog. It's one of my go to blogs when I need something fast.

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    1. I appreciate your kind words. I hope that you like my first attempt at an Indian cuisine recipe,

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  2. Hi Judee,
    You are right it is about the spices and they look fantastic! We will love this recipe. I really appreciate you sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and hope you have a great weekend!
    Come Back Soon,
    Miz Helen

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    1. Thanks Miz Helen.. I really enjoy participating in Full Plate Thursday.

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  3. HI Judee,
    This sounds and looks so tasty and healthy. Love all those fresh veggies and spices. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!.

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    1. Marla,
      It really was a delicious dish with all the spices

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  4. I LOOOOOVE cauliflower in ANY Indian dish!! YUM! Spices definitely are key, thanks for sharing!

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    1. Randi,
      So many Indian dishes use cauliflower. It must be indigenous to the area

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  5. THIS GIRL loves her some cauliflower - however, sometimes cauliflower does NOT like her back, LOL!!!!

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    1. I've heard so many people say that.. It works fine for me and good thing because I use it in so many recipes. You could probably make this with just potatoes and it would still be delicious!

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  6. I love Indian food, but haven't made this dish yet. Sounds yummy and the spices are so healthy for you!

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    1. I agree that we should be using spices in all of our food to improve our health

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  7. This looks really tasty! I've never made aloo gobi before (just starting to get into cooking Indian food) but I'll have to try this!

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  8. This looks so good! I love cauliflower. Thanks so much for sharing at Merry Monday.

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  9. Cauliflower lovers rejoice! I am so delighted that you shared your healthy and delectable Cauliflower Aloo Gobi with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party! Thank you so much for sharing your gems and for your support! I'm pinning and sharing!

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  10. Wow! I am so inspired to rethink cauliflower after seeing this healthy and delicious recipe! Thank you for sharing this tasty Cauliflower Aloo Gobi recipe with us at the Plant-based Potluck Party. Pinning and sharing this!

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  11. I've made this for years but without the tomatoes as my husband hates cooked tomatoes, I love them.

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  12. Oh wow, this sounds terrific! I love Indian flavors and this recipe fits perfectly with our half-vegetarian lifestyle.

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  13. I love Indian food and I love cauliflower and those spices so this is definitely going on my list to make.

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  14. I wonder whether this would still work without the garlic? Lovely colour. Have a great week. Cheers from Carole's Chatter

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  15. I like Aloo Gobi and was introduced to one of those Indian recipes through Jamie Oliver. Yours looks great.
    Thanks for commenting my on blog, chowder isn't everyone's favorite for sure!

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Your comments are appreciated. I love knowing who is stopping by to read my posts! Have a great day.

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