Chettinad Style Chilli Gobhi Recipe – A Spicy, Flavorful Delight!
Cauliflower, also known as gobi, is an incredibly versatile vegetable, adapting seamlessly to a variety of cuisines. From Indian to international dishes, it lends itself well to numerous cooking techniques and flavors. This Chettinad Style Chilli Gobhi recipe is an authentic, spicy rendition that will tantalize your taste buds with a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness. The use of fresh curry leaves, black pepper, and Kashmiri red chili powder adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a mouthwatering snack or appetizer. Whether you’re craving a crunchy snack or a flavorful starter, this Chettinad-style delight is sure to please!
Cuisine:
Indian
Course:
Snack / Starter
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients for Chettinad Style Chilli Gobhi
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (gobi) | 1, chopped into florets |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | As required (for frying) |
| Corn flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Rice flour | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Few sprigs, finely chopped |
| For the tempering | |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2, broken into pieces |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Instructions
-
Blanch the Cauliflower:
Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for about one minute. This step helps retain the crunch of the cauliflower while softening it slightly. After blanching, drain the florets and set them aside to cool. -
Prepare the Coating:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the corn starch, rice flour, Kashmiri red chili powder, black pepper powder, ginger garlic paste, and curd (yogurt). This mixture will form the flavorful batter that coats the cauliflower. Add salt to taste, and ensure everything is well combined to form a smooth paste. -
Coat the Cauliflower:
Take the cooled cauliflower florets and dip them into the prepared batter, ensuring that each floret is well coated. This coating will give the cauliflower a crispy texture when fried. -
Fry the Cauliflower:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or use an air fryer if you prefer a healthier version. Deep fry the coated cauliflower florets until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once fried, remove them from the oil and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil. -
Prepare the Tempering:
In a small pan, heat the ghee over medium heat for tempering. Add mustard seeds, and once they start spluttering, add the curry leaves, green chillies, and dry red chillies. Fry them for about 2 minutes until they release their aroma and the spices are well toasted. -
Combine and Garnish:
Pour the hot tempering over the crispy fried cauliflower florets. Toss them gently to ensure the tempering coats each piece evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color. -
Serve:
Serve your Chettinad Style Chilli Gobhi hot and fresh. It makes an excellent tea-time snack, a starter for a festive meal, or even as a side dish accompanying a traditional South Indian feast. Pair it with a hot cup of filter coffee for an authentic South Indian experience!
Tips and Variations:
- For a Healthier Version: Instead of deep frying, you can air fry the cauliflower florets for a crispy texture with less oil.
- Add More Spice: If you love heat, increase the number of green chillies or add a pinch of red chili flakes to the batter for extra spice.
- Serve with Dips: This dish pairs wonderfully with a cool yogurt dip or a tangy tamarind chutney for added flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal (per serving) |
| Carbohydrates | ~15 g |
| Protein | ~3 g |
| Fat | ~9 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~200 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and specific quantities used.)
This Chettinad Style Chilli Gobhi is a perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. The tempering with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chillies gives it an unmistakable South Indian touch, while the crunchy cauliflower offers a satisfying bite. Whether you serve it as a snack, starter, or side dish, it’s guaranteed to impress!
