Gobi Moomphali – Mild Cauliflower with Peanuts

There are few things that work better for a quick weeknight dish than a classic simple dry vegetable dish infused with the basic goodness of a few staple spices. The peanuts in the recipe are an inspiration to get my daughter to eat a relatively Indian dish.

 

So here you have it, Gobi Moomphali, or caufliflower with peanuts. This recipe is cooked much softer than I normally tend to do my vegetables, however this probably is closer to the texture of true Indian cooking, since we do tend to over do our vegetables. This dish has indeed stood the test of time, and while we still make this with very little chilies, I think it can be sparked up well with a nice dose of powdered red chili powder or cayenne. The lemon juice is important especially if you stick to the mild version.

 

 

 

 

 

Gobi Mumphali -Soft Cauliflower with Peanuts

 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes (largely unattended)

Serve 4 to 6

 

 

1/2 blanched raw peanuts

3 tablespoons oil

1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/8 tsp asafetida

2 bay leaves

1 cauliflower cut into floretts

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon red chili powder (or to taste)

I lime

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

 

 

Method of preparation

 

1. In a heavy bottom hard anodized pan, dry roast the peanuts until a pale caramel color. Set the peanuts aside.

2. Heat the oil on medium heat for about 1 minute and add in the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafetida and the bay leaves and wait till the mustard begins to crackle.

3. Add in the cauliflower and fry the mixture for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is fragrant.

4. Add in the turmeric, salt and the red chili powder (if using and mix well).

5. Turn down the heat and cover the pan and let the mixture cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.

6.Remove the cover, the mixture should be very soft, steaming and pale yellow in color.

7. Stir in the peanuts.

8. Cut the lime and squeeze in the juice and toss with the cilantro and mix well.