Cauliflower Mince, A Vegetarian Keema (Bhaji/Sabji)
Phool Gobhi ka Keema
Note from Mamta: This dish was often made by my mother in-law, it is her recipe. It is quite delicious.
She was a strict vegetarian, did not eat even onions and garlic, which are considered 'Tamsic' foods in Indian belief system. In this version, I have used both, but feel free to omit them.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, approximately 500 gm. in weight
- 4-5 tbsp. oil
- 100-150 gm. frozen peas or pre-boiled fresh fresh peas
- 1 large onion, about 225-250 gm., peeled
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 1/4 cup water, if required
- Whole spices.If you do not have these whole spices, use 1 tsp. of Garam Masala instead, adding it at the end of cooking.
- 1 tsp. cumin seeds
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 2 large cardamoms
- 5-6 cloves
- 5-6 black peppercorns
- Ground spices:
- A pinch of asafoetida or hing powder
- 1 level tsp. turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp. chilli powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. coriander powder
- Salt to taste, 2 tsp. approximately
- 1 good squirt of tomato ketchup or puree
- Juice of half a lemon, about 2 tsp. (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. Garam Masala
- A handful of chopped coriander leaves (hara dhania). This gives the dish an extra special flavour!
Instructions
- Separate cauliflower into florets and mince them in a food Processor. If you do not have a food processor, use a grater. Keep aside.
- Chop onion, ginger and garlic in the food processor or finely.
- Heat oil in a pan, add all the whole spices and asafoetida powder. When cumin seeds crackle, add onion, ginger and garlic mix. Fry until onions are light brown.
- Reduce heat to medium, add minced cauliflower, salt, ground spices. Stir fry for 10-15 minutes. Mince cauliflower cooks very fast.
- Add peas and stir them in for a couple of minutes.
- Adjust seasoning, add tomato ketchup, 2/3rd of the coriander leaves, juice of 1/2 a lemon, and Garam Masala. Gently stir in.
- Serve garnished with the remaining coriander leaves, with Poori, Plain Paratha or Chapatties.