Curryflower Surprise Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Make Ahead

by: lastnightsdinner

October7,2010

4

2 Ratings

  • Serves 2-4

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

I love the nutty taste of roasted cauliflower, and I love cauliflower bathed in curry, so I decided to combine the two for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination was even better than I hoped it would be, with layers of flavor I’d never expected from a dish that took so little time and effort to prepare. My husband, not typically a fan of cauliflower, said he would eat this any time, and that’s all the victory I need. (I take no responsibility for the corny name - that’s all Mike.) —lastnightsdinner

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 1 large head of golden cauliflower, broken into small florets
  • Kosher or sea salt
  • 1-2 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoonbrown mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspooncoriander seeds
  • 1 teaspooncumin seeds
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 two-inch piece of fresh ginger
  • 1 cupchopped yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoonsgrapeseed oil
  • 2 tablespoonsunsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoonminced fresh jalapeno pepper
  • 1 teaspoonground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoonground fenugreek
  • 1 teaspoongaram masala
  • 1 cuptomato puree
  • 1 cupthawed frozen peas
  • steamed jasmine or basmati rice, for serving
  • finely chopped cilantro, for garnish
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 450. Place the cauliflower florets on a foil-lined baking sheet, season them with salt, drizzle with the olive oil, and roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing once.
  2. Toast the mustard seeds, coriander, and cumin in a dry skillet until fragrant. Grind with a mortar and pestle and set aside.
  3. Scrape the skin from the ginger with a spoon and grate it with a fine grater. Pulse the garlic, ginger, and onion, in a food processor while drizzling in the grapeseed oil, until it forms a loose paste.
  4. Add the paste to a skillet, and cook over medium heat for just a few minutes. Add a pinch of salt and the knob of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped jalapeno, the ground toasted spices, the turmeric, fenugreek, and the garam masala to the pan and stir through, allowing the all of the spices to toast just a bit.
  5. Stir in the tomato puree, and cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, until slightly thickened, stirring from time to time. Add the peas and the roasted cauliflower, tossing until they are coated with the sauce and the peas are bright green and warmed through. Taste and adjust salt if needed. To serve, spoon over steamed basmati or jasmine rice, sprinkling cilantro over the top.

Tags:

  • Indian
  • Grains
  • Vegetable
  • Cilantro
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Jalapeño
  • Mustard
  • Pea
  • Make Ahead
  • Serves a Crowd
  • Gluten-Free
Contest Entries
  • Your Best Cauliflower Recipe

Popular on Food52

16 Reviews

thirschfeld October 13, 2010

Um, BTW, you took the best of everything and just plopped down right in front of me. YUM. I just keep coming back to look at this and I didn't know why and then I realized it reminded me of a healthy, and very, very, very tasty and way more flavorful version of one of my late night party favorites(AKA pub crawl), the British dish, Fries(chips) with peas and curry gravy.

Rita B. October 11, 2010

I love all the spices you used in this recipe. I've never thought of using them with cauliflower: it's genial! Many compliments!

lastnightsdinner October 11, 2010

Thank you!

Rita B. October 11, 2010

I love all the spices you used in this recipe. I've never thought of using them with cauliflower: it's genial! Many compliments.

Midge October 8, 2010

Making this tonight. And it's a great name. Thank you for turning me onto Clover Food Truck btw, (via Twitter). I'm hooked.

lastnightsdinner October 8, 2010

Thanks, everyone!

Midge - isn't Clover great? Do you go to the MIT or Dewey location? If the latter, we should meet up for lunch sometime!

Midge October 8, 2010

I've been hitting the Dewey location when I have to transfer at South Station, which isn't often enough! Next time, I'll let you know. Would love to meet up there!

THEToughCookie October 8, 2010

Thank you thank you thank you. I've been searching for a really wonderful curried cauliflower recipe with complex, layered flavors. You did the work for me, Jen!
Thanks!

cardamomhills October 8, 2010

wow this looks yum!

thirschfeld October 7, 2010

What a great looking recipe but even I must add that the name is bad Hoosier humor on his part, sadly though I laughed

TiggyBee October 7, 2010

This looks amazing!! Great flavors!!

lastnightsdinner October 7, 2010

Thanks, everyone! It was so easy, and so good :)

testkitchenette October 7, 2010

This is a keeper.

arielleclementine October 7, 2010

this sounds so perfect! will definitely make soon! thank you!

Lizthechef October 7, 2010

I'm with Mike - great name and another show-shopper recipe!!

MrsWheelbarrow October 7, 2010

Wow. Love this. The mustard seed? The tomato puree? Sheer brilliance. Can't wait to make this.

Curryflower Surprise Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

Why is my roasted cauliflower mushy? ›

First, take care not to overcrowd your pan; if the cauliflower is packed in rim-to-rim, the moisture will not be able to escape as the florets cook, which will result in soft steamed cauliflower instead of roasted.

How do you roast cauliflower Martha Stewart? ›

Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle cauliflower florets with olive oil. Season with salt. Roast, turning occasionally, until golden brown and just tender, about 20 minutes.

What will adding lemon juice to the water for cooking cauliflower do? ›

Helps retain color: Cauliflower can sometimes turn brown or lose its vibrant white color when cooked. However, the acid in lemon juice can help prevent discoloration and maintain the cauliflower's white appearance.

Why does cooked cauliflower hurt my stomach? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which can quickly lead to digestive upset, especially when consumed raw. Symptoms can include bloating, gas and cramping.

Should cauliflower be washed before roasting? ›

The separated florets have to be washed properly under a tap. This removes dirt and large parasites such as worms. The next step is cleaning the cauliflower in mildly warm water in which a little salt was dissolved. This process – which should last 10-20 minutes - destroys several microbes and large parasites.

Why does my cauliflower taste horrible? ›

The classic bitter taste of Brassica vegetables is commonly thought to be due to compounds called glucosinolates. When we chew a big mouthful of broccoli or cauliflower these molecules are converted into a chemical called isothiocyanate, which is responsible for the pungent flavor many struggle to overcome.

How to make cauliflower puree Gordon Ramsay? ›

Remove the cauliflower stalks and cut them into small pieces. Heat the butter and milk in a pan and stew the cauliflower in it until softened. Add the cream and return to a high temperature. Immediately strain and liquidise the cauliflower then season and pass through a fine chinois.

What does baking soda do to cauliflower? ›

Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent, and it can be used to brighten up your veggies too. Sprinkle a little in the water before boiling to prevent cauliflower from yellowing and make corn look more vibrant.

Is it healthier to steam or bake cauliflower? ›

It's easy to cook, which gives it a creamier, nuttier taste that takes on the flavor of whatever you use as seasoning. How you cook cauliflower matters. You can keep more of its nutrients if you steam, roast, or stir-fry it.

Can dogs have cauliflower? ›

Yes, dogs can eat cauliflower in moderation, either raw or cooked. Cauliflower is a source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C for dogs. Some dogs may dislike the slightly bitter taste of cauliflower. Avoid cauliflower with seasonings or oils, as they can cause upset stomach.

How long does cauliflower last in the fridge? ›

Moisture can lead to discoloration or decay of the cauliflower. You should also skip washing your cauliflower before storing it, but you should wash it once you're ready to use it. When properly stored, cauliflower can last up to three to five days in the fridge.

Does cauliflower soak up liquid? ›

Unlike those starchy grains of rice, riced cauliflower doesn't soak up moisture or liquid in the same way. Top your dish with too much sauce or dressing and it will pool in the bottom of the dish.

Does cauliflower absorb marinade? ›

The vegetables actually absorb some of the marinade, helping to season them from the inside out. All you have to do is toss your vegetables in your favorite marinade and let them sit. That's it.

Is it necessary to boil cauliflower before cooking? ›

So if you like your cauliflower to have quite a bite and do not want to bother with precooking, chuck it in raw. But if you want your veg to be super soft, you may even want to boil it longer. Or you can do as my mother used to make it, prepare the cauliflower to be eaten without sauce.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 6339

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.