Cauliflower is the crunchy white vegetable that is popular in America and many other parts of the world. It is one of those rare vegetables in South India. As South Indians adopted to America, we made our recipe out of this vegetable too. Cauliflower stir-fry is another recipe from my mom’s kitchen created with local fresh produce.
Cauliflower is rich in vitamin K, vitamin B6, fiber and it is filled with many other nutrients. The health benefits of cauliflower are even higher when combined with turmeric. This recipe is one of those great combinations with many health benefits. It is a combination of fresh cauliflower stir-fried in vegetable oil, mustard seeds, onion, garlic, curry leaves, coconut, and turmeric to create a unique south Indian taste. When all these fresh ingredients are stir-fried, it brings out the best flavor with remarkable health benefits.
Cuisine: Kerala
Course: Side dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 min
Servs: 4-6
Course: Side dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 min
Servs: 4-6
Ingredients
3 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 onion, diced
1 jalapeño pepper or 2 green chiles, diced (optional)
4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 sprig curry leaves, stem removed
1 medium cauliflower, chopped
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 cup grated coconut
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Directions
1. Heat oil in a pan
2. Add mustard seeds, cover it with a lid and allow it to pop. Remove the lid when it stops popping
3. Add onion, garlic, curry levels, and jalapeño pepper. Sauté this for a minute
4. Add the cauliflower, 1/2 teaspoon salt, water and mix well. The water will prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
5. After 5 minutes, take off the lid and mix everything.
6. Add coconut and turmeric powder to the center. Cover this with cauliflower, and cook for 10 more minutes.
7. Remove the lid, and mix everything together. Taste and see if salt is enough. Add some more salt, if needed.
Cauliflower stir fry (cauliflower thoran) is ready to be served with rice.
Tips: When you buy cauliflower, make sure to purchase one without brown or yellow spots. Put it in a big bowl of salt water with the white part down for 10 to 15 mints. The salt water will help to clean the cauliflower.
