Cauliflower & Gram Dhal Curry

I absolutely love it when a recipe that starts as an idea in my head unfolds into yet another delicious creation in my kitchen.

This Cauliflower and Gram Dhal Curry is a beautiful combination of hearty comfort and wholesome goodness. The cauliflower and gram dhal complement each other perfectly, while delicate julienned snap peas add a touch of freshness, colour and texture.

Ingredients

Oil, for cooking

¼ tsp mustard seeds

¼ tsp cumin seeds

¼ tsp fenugreek seeds

1 sprig curry leaves

2 small cinnamon sticks

2 star anise

1 medium onion, peeled and finely diced

2–3 dried red chillies

2–3 green chillies

1 Tbsp crushed garlic

½ tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp (5 ml) hing

1 tsp (5 ml) garam masala

½ Tbsp (7.5 ml) coriander powder

½ Tbsp (7.5 ml) cumin powder

1 Tbsp (15 ml) mild Kashmiri chilli curry powder

½ cup canned tomatoes, liquidised

1 medium cauliflower (400 g), broken into florets

1 can gram dhal, drained

A handful of snap peas, finely sliced lengthwise

Salt, to taste

A handful of chopped coriander leaves, for garnish

Let’s Cook

Heat some oil in a pot.

Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, cinnamon sticks and star anise.

When the seeds begin to pop and the curry leaves splutter, add the diced onion, dried red chillies and green chillies.

Sauté until the onions start to turn golden brown.

Add the crushed garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Add the turmeric powder, hing, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder and mild Kashmiri chilli curry powder. Stir and cook the spices for about 30 seconds.

Add the cauliflower florets and season with salt to taste. Stir well, adding a little hot water if needed. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.

Pour in the liquidised tomatoes, mix well and cook for 3–5 minutes.

Stir in the gram dhal and snap peas.

Add about 1 cup (250 ml) hot water, stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to combine.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve with rice, roti or bread.

I absolutely love it when a recipe that starts as an idea in my head unfolds into yet another delicious creation in my kitchen.

This Cauliflower and Gram Dhal Curry is a beautiful combination of hearty comfort and wholesome goodness. The cauliflower and gram dhal complement each other perfectly, while delicate julienned snap peas add a touch of freshness, colour and texture.