Quality Living Styles

Mouth-Watering Easy Recipes

[Photographer:Nirmala Pather]

Yes you do have the time to cook! Success with these easy to follow recipes will make your day a good one.

Cauliflower with Peas

Cauliflower can be cooked in many styles, but the recipe below is quick, easy and very delicious. No water is added, the cauliflower cooks in it own juices.

When you have sauteéd the cauliflower put on the pot lid and cook it on a low temperature for about 12 minutes. Stir to ensure the contents do not stick to the pot. When there is liquid in the pot (juices from the vegetables) remove the lid, add frozen peas and now cook on a high heat. Scoop the mixture of spices onto the florets and turn them over occasionally.

At this point stir, & watch the pot to ensure the contents do not burn. The liquid will bubble, as it decreases See picture below. Lower the temperature. When the liquid is very low turn off the heat. Set aside and garnish with cilantro. See recipe below for details.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium size cauliflower
  • ½ cup sliced onion
  • 5 tablespoons Canola oil
  • ½ teaspoon crushed ginger
  • 2 teaspoons garlic
  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin powder
  • 3 teaspoon coriander/cilantro powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • salt or to taste
  • 3 sticks of cinnamon
  • A few sprigs of coriander to garnish

Method

  • Cut of any blemishes & separate florets. Rinse under running water, then soak in bowl of water while preparing other ingredients.

  • Heat oil on medium-high temperature. Add cinnamon sticks followed by the sliced onion, garlic & ginger
  • Lower heat, when onion is soft, add tomato & cook until a nice mashed mixture forms. Stir to avoid burning. Now add salt & all the spices. Mix well
  • Add cauliflower, blend with mix in pot. Close the lid & lower the temperature.
  • Allow to cook for 12-15 minutes, There should be a build up of about a cup of liquid in the pot.
  • These are juices that come from the cauliflower. If you do not have this amount of liquid, cook with the lid on for a few more minutes
  • Add the frozen peas. Mix well taking care not to break the florets. Raise the temperature to a high heat & stir frequently. Do not put on the lid.
  • Allow the liquid to evaporate, while adding the mix onto the florets. When the liquid is reduced lower temperature and coat cauliflower with the remaining mix
  • You can test if the cauliflower is cooked by poking with a sharp knife. It should be soft and ideally still whole. If you are trying this recipe for the first time, don't worry if the cauliflower is quite mashed, it should still taste good. It will come with experience. Garnish with coriander and serve
Cauliflower cooking in its own juices

Note liquid on left from slow cooking cauliflower, no water added.
[Photographer: Nirmala Pather]

cauliflower cooking

Cauliflower cooking on a high temperature. Note the bubbles on side as the liquid is being reduced.
[Photographer: Nirmala Pather]

Cauliflower cooked

Here it is a tasty dish of cauliflower all ready to eat.
[Photographer: Nirmala Pather]