Cauliflower and Scallions with Turmeric Chili and Mustard Seeds

Jul 9, 2008

How to eat a small cauliflower in one setting?? Its really simple. Just make the recipe below. Initially I was skeptical. I really don’t eat cauliflower, and when I do, it’s because I really want the meat or the chicken and the cauliflower is an accompaniment. But heck when you have two cauliflowers to eat, its time to be adventurous.

Yum. Yum. This dish shines. The flavor of turmeric, mustard seeds and chili flakes melds beautifully. Dare I say, you can hardly tell cauliflower is the main ingredient. Its a great dish to get kids to eat vegetables.. just go light on the chili flakes in that case.

I’m happy to admit I ate the whole cauliflower for lunch. As you can see with the photos I love how the cauliflower color changes the longer it sits with the turmeric.

Cauliflower and Scallions with Turmeric Chili and Mustard Seeds (Image 2)

Cauliflower and Scallions with Turmeric Chili and Mustard Seeds (Image 3)

Cauliflower and Scallions with Turmeric Chili and Mustard Seeds (Image 4)

Ingredients

1	small head cauliflower
1-2	bunches scallions
3	tablespoons canola or safflower or other light cooking oil
½	teaspoon mustard seeds
½	teaspoon turmeric
1	or 2 jalapeño chiles, or other spicy chile or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
–	salt to taste
⅓	cup hot water
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Serves

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Directions

Separate cauliflower into very small florets. Wash and drain. Trim scallions and chop into ¼ inch pieces.

Heat oil. When oil is very hot, add mustard seeds. Stir constantly for about a minute. Add turmeric, chiles, salt, and scallions, stirring rapidly. Cook for half a minute or so before adding cauliflower. Stir to mix everything well, add the water, and simmer, covered, on low for 15-20 minutes, until cauliflower is tender. Increase heat to evaporate any liquid.