Friday, July 17, 2009

Cauliflower and Peas Stew




2 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 red onion chopped fine
1 medium potato cut into small cubes
1 tbsp ginger grated
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 green chilli minced
1/2 tsp turmeric
2 tsp sambar pwd( use curry pwd as a substitute)
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp tomato paste
2 tomatoes blended
salt
1/2 tsp sugar
2 cups cauliflower cut into medium florets
1/2 cup frozen carrots and beans (optional add fresh if you have)
1 cup water
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp coconut milk
2 tbsp cilantro leaves chopped
1 cup frozen peas
Don't be put off by the long list of ingredients, I think coconut milk might be the only ingredient not in your pantry, use coconut milk powder instead. Most Indian home will have all these ingredients, because these are things you need when making any kind of Indian food. Sambar powder might be another ingredient that you might not have, just add curry pwd or a mixture of cayenne pwd and coriander powder. I had some frozen carrots and beans mixture so I threw those in too.

This dish was for a Potluck Dinner for a friend's baby shower. I was also taking some steamed rice and a raita with it.

So once you have assembled all your ingredients, this is what you do,

Heat oil, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
Once they splutter, add onions stir for a few minutes add potatoes, and cook till brown on medium heat.
Then add ginger, garlic, green chilli, tomato paste, turmeric pwd, sambar pwd, garam masala and cayenne pepper.
Stir for a couple of minutes.
Add the blended tomatoes, stir well.
Add cauliflower, frozen carrots and beans if using, salt and sugar.
Add 1 cup of water, cover and cook for about 10 minutes or so or until cauliflower is tender.
Add sour cream and coconut milk, cilantro and frozen peas.
Stir well, and remove from heat.
You should have a thick gravy, taste and season if required.
Serve the stew with rice and raita, or any Indian bread.