Healthy: Spicy Cauliflower (Indian)

One thing I really enjoy about Indian food is the ability to transform seeming boring ingredients into vibrant dishes without requiring frying or heavy amounts of salt that one might find in American or European cuisine. Turning vegetables into spicy dishes seems to be a popular technique among Indian cuisine. Of course, not everybody necessarily enjoys the flavor combinations and this particular dish is one my wife strongly dislikes. It is a nice side dish and works as a filing for various wraps or mixed with rice or dal (lentil) it can become a main course. This recipe is simple and relies upon a handful of spices. There are more complex versions of this recipe floating around but they usually produce something with more liquid and I like that this is a drier dish as it improves the versatility.

Spicy Cauliflower/Spicy Gobi Recipe

Details:

Serving: 4-6
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Equipment Needed:

• Cutting board and knife
• Oven and stove
• Large pot
• Baking sheet
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Kitchen utensils
• Large mixing bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower head
• 1-2 tbsp oil
• Lime juice (optional)
• Cilantro, loosely chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp tumeric
• 1 tsp garam masala (may need more, optionally)
• 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried ginger powder
• 1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Boil enough water in pot that it will completely cover the cauliflower.
2. Chop Cauliflower head into quarters and add to boiling water. Add salt and tumeric.
3. Boil for five minutes.
4. Drain water and transfer cauliflower to mixing bowl. Break up the florets into smaller pieces. Use knife to chop if necessary.
5. Add oil and remaining spices from coriander powder to dried ginger powder. Mix well to coat cauliflower. May add more garam masala to taste if you want.
6. Let marinade for 30 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn on oven to preheat to 350F.
7. Arrange cauliflower on baking sheet so there is a single layer of cauliflower. 
8.  Bake for 10 minutes. Remove, turn cauliflower and bake for another 10 minutes.
9. Once done, drizzle with lime juice and serve with cilantro.