Indian Cauliflower and Potatoes

Here's another Indian vegetable recipe we make a lot, and one of my faaaavorite ways to eat cauliflower. I posted about this six years ago, but there was no photo and little in the way of a charming introduction. At least now there's a photo!


Indian Cauliflower and Potatoes (Aloo Gobi) (print-friendly version)

Again, use your discretion with the cayenne. Add more if you like things spicy, or scale it back to a pinch if you're scared.

2 to 3 medium potatoes
1 medium cauliflower
3 Tbsp. canola oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp. cumin seeds
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1/8 tsp. ground cayenne
1 tsp. salt
Black pepper

Boil the potatoes in their jackets until tender when pierced with a knife. Cut the cauliflower into florets about 1½-inches wide. Soak them in a bowl of water for 30 minutes.  Drain.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into ¾-inch dice. In a large, non-stick frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the onion until translucent, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the cumin seeds and sauté for about a minute. Add the cauliflower and stir until it starts to brown in spots, about 5 minutes. Cover, turn the heat to low, and simmer until cauliflower is almost done, but still has a bit of crispness (8 to 12 minutes). Add the diced potatoes and the rest of the spices, and gently stir. Cook uncovered over low heat until potatoes are heated through, about 5 minutes more.

Source: Adapted from Illustrated Indian Cookery by Madhur Jaffrey

Comments

[melch]

Can't wait to try these indian recipes! I get intimidated when I think about Indian food but these look awesome and easy.

[Karen]

Wouldn't it be easier to peel and dice the potatoes first and then boil them? Also what does soaking the cauliflower do? Never heard of that.

[hoot]

Same questions as Karen above, and....
are you certain my children will eat it? ;)

[Tammy]

hoot: Can't be sure, but I gave my kids a bite of this every month since they were born, practically, and it's one of their favorite veggies, cross my heart. For answers to questions, see Karen below.

Karen: It's probably easier to peel the potatoes first, but I heard that the skins keep more nutrients in rather than having them boil away. Not sure it's true, but it's a habit that stuck with me. Either way is fine. As for soaking the cauliflower, it's mostly to flush out any insects that might be hiding. You could skip it if your cauliflower is pristine.

melch: Awesome and easy is my middle name!! Kidding...but I do prefer my recipes that way!