"During my time in India I was fortunate enough to attend a class on this dish. It is pure comfort food. The key is in the Temper and Masala Spices which are softened by coconut. Heat is provided from fresh and dried chilli. This stunning Vegan Dish is made complete with protein added in the form of spiced Cashews and Coconut. Be sure to serve with Rice or Bread to give the wholegrain complement." Susie of Gourmet Glow
Keralan Cauliflower Mappas
"During my time in India I was fortunate enough to attend a class on this dish. It is pure comfort...
Ingredients
For the Temper
| ½ tsp | Fennel Seeds |
| ½ tsp | Fenugreek Seeds |
| 5g | Curry Leaves |
| 2 tsp | Coconut Oil |
For the cauliflower
| 1 | Whole Cauliflower, cut into ‘steaks’ through the base |
| 2 tbsp | Cornflour |
| ½ tsp | Turmeric |
| ½ tsp | Salt |
| Ground Black Pepper | |
| 1 tbsp | Coconut Oil |
For the curry
| 1 tsp | Minced Ginger |
| 1 tsp | Minced Garlic |
| 2 | Sweet Onions, finely sliced |
| 2 | Green Chillies, slit lengthways |
| 8 | Cherry Tomatoes, halved |
| 400ml | Coconut Cream (not creamed coconut) |
| 2 | Lemons |
| Salt to taste |
For the masala spice
| ½ tsp | Turmeric |
| 2 tsp | Chilli Powder |
| 2 tsp | Coriander, ground |
| 2 tsp | Cracked Black Pepper |
For the spiced nuts
| 150g | Cashew Nuts |
| 50g | Unsweetened Coconut Flakes |
| 1 | Lemon, zested |
| ¼ tsp | Turmeric |
| ¼ tsp | Cracked Black Pepper |
| ¼ tsp | Salt |
| 2 tsp | Maple Syrup |
| 1 tsp | Coconut Oil |
Method
- Preheat the oven 160C mix all the ingredients for the nuts in a bowl and tumble onto a tray lined with baking paper. Cook for 15 minutes, allow to cool then transfer to an airtight container.
- Meanwhile bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the cauliflower steaks and blanch for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Drain then coat with a mix of the cornflour, salt and spices.
- Heat the oil in a pan and fry the steaks for 2 minutes each side or until crisp, golden and tender. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the masala spice ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
- Heat the oil for the temper in a pan and add the fennel seeds. As they begin to crackle, add the fenugreek and curry leaves. Cook 30 seconds before adding the onions, garlic, ginger and chillies. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until beginning to turn golden then add the masala spices.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring to remove the rawness, then add the tomatoes. Cover with a lid and steam for 3-5 minutes or until softened. Reduce the heat and add the coconut cream. Simmer gently
- Meanwhile cut the cheeks off the lemons and place face down in a dry pan. Cook until charred then set aside.
- When ready, taste the sauce and season with salt and the juice of the charred lemons.
- Divide the sauce between 4 bowls and top with the crispy cauliflower. Sprinkle over the nut mix and serve with steamed rice on the side.
Shop for ingredients
You may also enjoy
Cauliflower & Za'atar Fritters
Crispy cauliflower fritters spiced with za'atar from Gourmet Glow
Malaysian Butternut Squash & Cauliflower Curry
A deliciously flavoursome vegetable curry made with coconut milk and South-east Asian spices.