Cauliflower and Tomato Curry: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe for Every Day Cooking

Cauliflower and tomato curry is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Complementing its outstanding taste is its health benefits, making it an excellent choice for everyday cooking. This recipe can be divided into two main parts: cooking the vegetables and making the curry or gravy.

Cooking the Vegetables

There are several methods for cooking the vegetables. You can deep fry, shallow fry, or parboil them, then later add them to the curry. Alternatively, you can cook the vegetables completely within the curry itself. Commonly used vegetables for cauliflower and tomato curry include cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots.

Ingredients and Methods

To start, heat oil in a pan. Add cumin or mustard seeds as desired, or enhance the flavor by adding bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, or dried chillies to the hot oil before adding the seeds.

Add onions, which can be sliced, chopped, or even puréed. For a smoother consistency, grind the onions into a paste in a mixer grinder without adding water. Sauté the onions until they turn golden brown. Next, add ginger-garlic paste, fresh green chillies, and finely chopped or puréed tomatoes. Cook the mixture for a few minutes to bring out the flavors.

Spices and Cooking Techniques

Season the mixture with spices such as coriander powder, cumin powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. You can also use ready-made mixed spices like Everest kitchen, king masala, sabji masala, pav bhaji masala, rajma masala, or shahi paneer masala, according to your taste preference. The technique used for cooking the mixture is "bhunao," which involves sautéing or stir-frying over a medium heat.

Add the prepared vegetables and continue to cook the mixture. If the ingredients start to stick, a small amount of water, yogurt, or stock can be added to prevent burning or uneven cooking. The main ingredient (meat or vegetables) can then be added and cooked. Remember, for a smoother gravy, use puréed onions and tomatoes. Adjust the amount of chillies based on your preference for heat level. During bhunao, add stock for a richer flavor and beat yogurt until a smooth texture to prevent it from splitting.

Garnishing and Serving

Garnish the curry with chopped fresh coriander and a drizzle of lemon juice for a fresh and vibrant finish. This dish can be served with naan, rice, or a simple green salad to complement the flavors.

This versatile cauliflower and tomato curry is not only a nutritious addition to your meals but also a delightful way to explore Indian slow cooking techniques. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cuisine.