Spicy Cauliflower and Peas Bhurji (Indian Scrambled Curry)

Cauliflower Matar Bhurji (Cauliflower and Peas Scramble) Recipe

Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This Cauliflower Matar Bhurji is a delightful vegetarian dish that combines finely grated cauliflower with sweet green peas, creating a flavor-packed, healthy meal. Full of aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for a weekday dinner when paired with Boondi Raita and Phulkas. The rich flavors of ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and garam masala complement the freshness of the vegetables, offering a satisfying yet light option for those who love traditional Indian flavors. Let’s walk through this simple, step-by-step recipe to make this savory delight!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
   Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and let them blanch in the water for 10 minutes. This step softens the cauliflower, making it easier to grate. After 10 minutes, drain the water and set the florets aside.

2. Grate the Cauliflower:
   Once the cauliflower is cool enough to handle, grate it into fine pieces using a box grater. Alternatively, you can pulse the florets in a food processor for a finer texture. Grated cauliflower will resemble the consistency of scrambled eggs, which is perfect for this dish.

3. Cook the Grated Cauliflower:
   Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in a Kadai or deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the grated cauliflower and sauté for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the cauliflower cooks evenly and absorbs any moisture. Once the water from the cauliflower has evaporated, set it aside.

4. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same Kadai, add another 1 tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell of the paste fades away.

5. Cook the Tomatoes and Spices:
   Add the chopped tomatoes to the Kadai and cook them down until they soften and become mushy. This will take about 5 minutes. Next, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine the spices with the tomato mixture. Let this cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spices become aromatic.

6. Add the Peas:
   Once the tomatoes and spices are well combined, add the green peas to the pan. Stir them into the mixture, cooking for about 5 minutes. The peas should cook through but retain their slight crunch.

7. Combine the Cauliflower and Peas:
   Add the pre-cooked grated cauliflower to the pan with the peas and spices. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Cook the mixture for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower as it can become soggy.

8. Finish with Garam Masala and Garnish:
   Sprinkle the garam masala powder over the bhurji and toss everything together. This will infuse the dish with a final burst of rich, warming flavor. Once combined, remove the pan from the heat.

9. Serve:
   Garnish the Cauliflower Matar Bhurji with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color. Serve this delicious bhurji alongside Phulkas (Indian flatbread) and Boondi Raita for a well-rounded meal.

Serving Suggestions

• This dish pairs beautifully with Phulkas, Chapatis, or even Parathas.
• A side of Boondi Raita adds a cooling contrast to the spiciness of the bhurji, making it a perfect meal for a warm evening.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values; actual values may vary based on ingredient substitutions.

Tips for the Perfect Cauliflower Matar Bhurji:

1. Avoid Overcooking: The key to this recipe is to keep the cauliflower from becoming too soft or mushy. Once the water from the cauliflower has evaporated, it should retain a slight bite.

2. Custom Spice Levels: Adjust the level of green chilies and red chili powder based on your spice preference. If you like it milder, you can skip the green chilies or reduce the amount of red chili powder.

3. Add More Veggies: If you want to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious, you can add additional vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach.

4. Use Fresh Peas: Fresh peas give this dish a lovely sweetness, but frozen peas work well too. If using frozen peas, ensure they are thawed before adding them to the dish.

This Cauliflower Matar Bhurji is an easy-to-make, hearty dish that brings the flavors of India to your kitchen in under an hour. It’s perfect for a healthy dinner or a satisfying lunch, making it a wonderful addition to your weekday meal rotation.