Pepper Cauliflower: A Simple and Flavorful Indian Stir-Fry
Pepper Cauliflower is a delightful Indian dish that combines the natural sweetness and crispiness of cauliflower with the warmth of spices, making it a perfect addition to your dinner table. The dish is quick to prepare, yet brimming with aromatic flavors. A healthy, vegetarian choice that pairs well with rice, phulkas (Indian flatbread), and a side of dal for a satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to follow and brings out the best in cauliflower, enhancing it with the zesty kick of black pepper, cumin, and red chili powder. Whether you’re craving a light dinner or a side dish to complement your main course, this Pepper Cauliflower recipe will undoubtedly hit the spot.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (gobi) | 1 head, chopped into small florets |
| Onion | 1, sliced lengthwise |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, chopped |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | For garnish |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Black Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chili | 1, torn into 2 pieces |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
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Blanch the Cauliflower:
- To begin, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and let them cook for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, switch off the heat and allow the florets to stay in the hot water. This step ensures the cauliflower retains its crispness and doesn’t become mushy. If you prefer, you can blanch the cauliflower by briefly immersing it in boiling water, then quickly draining it.
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Prepare the Tempering:
- Heat a kadai (Indian wok) or any heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the sunflower oil to the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow the seeds to splutter for a few seconds.
- Next, add the torn dry red chili and black urad dal (split). Stir them in the oil until the urad dal turns a light golden brown.
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Add the Aromatics:
- Now, add the curry leaves and chopped garlic to the pan. Fry them until the curry leaves become crispy and the garlic turns golden and fragrant.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté until the onion turns soft and slightly pinkish, about 3–4 minutes.
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Combine the Cauliflower and Spices:
- Once the onion is ready, add the boiled cauliflower florets to the pan. At this stage, do not add any water to the pan. Stir well to ensure the cauliflower is coated with the oil and spices.
- Sprinkle in the black pepper powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Toss everything together until the cauliflower is well-coated with the spices.
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Season and Garnish:
- Add salt to taste and toss again to combine.
- Garnish the Pepper Cauliflower with freshly chopped coriander (dhania) leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
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Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Pepper Cauliflower hot with a side of Panchmel Dal (a mixed lentil dal), steamed rice, and warm Phulkas (Indian flatbreads) for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Pepper Cauliflower:
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Crispiness of the Cauliflower: The key to a great Pepper Cauliflower lies in maintaining the crispiness of the cauliflower. Avoid overcooking it during the blanching process. The cauliflower should remain tender but firm enough to hold its shape when tossed with the spices.
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Adjusting the Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder and black pepper to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the chili powder. On the other hand, if you’re a spice lover, add a little extra black pepper for an extra zing.
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Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no dairy or animal products. You can easily make it gluten-free by ensuring your spices and oil are gluten-free.
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Optional Additions: For an added layer of flavor, you can toss in some roasted peanuts or cashews at the end for a crunchy texture. You can also experiment by adding a dash of garam masala or lemon juice for a unique twist.
This Pepper Cauliflower recipe is a wonderful combination of simplicity and bold flavor, ideal for a quick, healthy dinner. Its rich, spicy flavor profile paired with the tender cauliflower makes it an irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you serve it on its own or as part of a larger meal, this Pepper Cauliflower will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
