Indian Spiced Cauliflower and Potatoes

After my son married a lovely Indian woman, I was inspired by the amazing flavors of the food we enjoyed at the wedding. When I came home I pulled out an old cookbook I had not used in years (but saved with the thought that one day I would): Best-Ever Curry Cookbook, by Mridula Baljekar. This recipe was inspired by one of hers for Aloo Gobi.

Indian spices provide numerous health benefits, which is another reason I love Indian food. You not only receive nutrients from the cauliflower and potatoes, but the spices and herbs are also beneficial. See my articles on cumin, cilantro/coriander, and turmeric.

Print Recipe
Indian Spiced Cauliflower and Potatoes
This is a simplified version of the Indian dish called Aloo Gobi. It makes a great side dish for chicken, fish, lamb or even beans.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Prep Time 30 minutes, start to finish
Servings
people
Ingredients
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Prep Time 30 minutes, start to finish
Servings
people
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Wash and peel potato, then cut into 1-inch cubes. Fill a medium to large saucepan with water and add 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then add the potato cubes. Lower heat to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until potatoes are just beginning to soften. Don't overcook. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  2. While potatoes cook, cut cauliflower into small florets or slice into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds. Cook and stir about 2 minutes to release the flavor and aroma.
  4. Add diced chiles and other spices, then cook another minute.
  5. Turn heat to medium-low and add cauliflower along with about 1 tablespoon water. Cook and stir about 5 minutes. Cover with a lid if possible to help steam the cauliflower.
  6. Add potatoes and stir again. Cook another 3 to 5 minutes, or until vegetables are heated through and tender. Add a little more water if it gets too dry, and adjust seasonings, to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Recipe Notes

Tip: If you don't have cumin seeds, don't worry. The seeds add a slightly different and more authentic flavor, but the dish is still tasty without them. Add a little extra ground cumin if desired.

VARIATION:

Add about 1 cup cooked or canned (and rinsed) lentils along with potatoes.

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