If you are bored of the regular cauliflower curry then you must try this quick to make Shahi Gobhi Masala. This easy, dry gobi recipe made with cauliflower florets cooked in royal gravy is the perfect twist to boring cauliflower!
If you are a diehard Bollywood oldies fan (I am not, let me clarify!), you would definitely remember the 70s movie, Bawarchi. Starring the eternal superstar Rajesh Khanna, it was the story of a, well, bawarchi (chef), who teaches a family much more than cooking great dishes. One of the best dialogues in that movie went something like this, “It is so simple to be happy, but it is so difficult to be simple”. Brilliant, isn’t it!?
Why am I talking about a random 70s’ bollwood movie, you ask? Well two reasons. One, the movie was about a chef’s life, duh! And two, and the more important reason, the dialogue struck a chord with me. If you think about it, we would all agree that simplicity is a really rare virtue. Think about it, the best architectural wonders in the world are so simple. Take the Eiffel tower for instance – a simple structure, but oh so timeless! Or what about an airplane’s design? Why didn’t we decide to design an airplane like the ‘saucers’ that the early science fiction authors envisioned them to be, but choose a bird’s body structure instead? Well, because it’s simple! Hell, even the most elegant theories of physics are the most simple (‘Every action has an equal and opposite reaction – simple, but profound. Okay I will stop now!).
Taking a cue from the book of simplicity, here’s another culinary delight for you – Shahi Gobhi Masala or Cauliflower curry. Even though these dishes are simple, and for our moms, the most basic requirement to being a great chef, it was not an easy ride for me! You see, I love making elaborate, rich dishes, and things like Aloo Gobi do not excite me as a chef. But ever since I have been on this path of culinary self-realization, it has always been a challenge for me to prove to myself whether I can make the most simplest of dishes a little better with my limited knowledge and ability. So let’s dive right into what I did to make these timeless dishes, a-la Sayantani!
Want some more vegetarian recipes? checkout dhokar-dalna
If you are bored of the regular cauliflower curry then you must try this quick to make Shahi Gobhi Masala . This easy dry gobi recipe made with cauliflower florets cooked in royal gravy is the perfect twist to boring cauliflower!
- 2 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 tomato finely chopped
- 1/2 cup whisked curd
- 1/2 cup boiled green peas
- 2 cloves
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp kashmiri lal mirch (or any red cilli powder)
- 2 cardamom
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp cream
- 1 tbsp ghee
- salt to taste
- 1 tbsp coriander chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp cashews (soaked in water for 10 minutes)
- 2 cardamom
- 2 cloves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 inch ginger finely chopped
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 onions largely cut
-
In a pan, heat ghee and then add bay leaf, cardamom, cloves and finely chopped onions and tomatoes for 4-5 minutes till the onions turn slightly translucent and tomatoes are done.
-
To this, add the freshly grind paste and fry for another 1-2 minutes. Then add cauliflower florets, turmeric powder and chilli powder and close the lid and let it cook for 6-7 minutes till the cauliflower are coated with the paste all over and are half done.
-
At low flame, then add the whisked curd, salt and around 1/4th cup water and close the lid and let it cook for another 7-8 minutes till the cauliflower is done. Make sure to stir occasionally.
-
Add the end add boiled peas and adjust salt if required.
-
Switch of the flame and add the cream and mix well. Finally sprinkle finely chopped coriannder leaves. Serve hot with the side of your choice.