Gobi Manchurian To Pizza Crust: 5 Recipes With Cauliflower

When it comes to versatile vegetables, cauliflower takes the crown. This humble vegetable can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes, from comforting curries to crispy snacks. Don't underestimate the potential of cauliflower in your culinary adventures. Let's dive into the world of cauliflower and explore five unexpected recipes that will surely tantalise your taste buds.

Also Read: Top 5 Cauliflower Curry Recipes That's Perfect For Lunch

Gobi Manchurian - The Spicy Indo-Chinese Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chilli sauce
• 1 teaspoon tomato ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying
• Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, black pepper, and salt. Add enough water to make a smooth batter.
2. Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring they are coated well.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the coated florets until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil on a kitchen towel.
4. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and add the fried cauliflower florets. Toss them on high heat for a minute.
5. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot as an appetiser or as a side dish with fried rice or noodles.

Cauliflower Pizza Crust - A Healthy Twist on a Classic

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized cauliflower, grated
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pizza sauce
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
• Grated cheese (for topping)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the grated cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 5-6 minutes until it becomes soft. Allow it to cool.
3. Once cooled, transfer the cauliflower onto a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower, eggs, grated mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a sticky dough.
5. Spread the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a thin, round crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust becomes golden brown.
6. Remove the crust from the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top. Add your desired toppings and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
7. Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
8. Slice and serve the cauliflower pizza hot, savouring every healthy and delicious bite.

Cauliflower Biryani - A Vegetarian Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes and drained
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup plain yoghourt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
5. Add cauliflower florets to the pan and mix well, coating them with the spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice along with salt. Cook the rice until it is 70% cooked. Drain the water and set aside.
7. In a small bowl, mix yoghurt, garam masala powder, and saffron strands (optional). Add this mixture to the cauliflower and mix well.
8. Layer half of the partially cooked rice over the cauliflower in the pan. Add the remaining rice as the top layer.
9. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and flavours meld together.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with raita or any curry of your choice.

Cauliflower Wings - A Healthy and Flavorful Snack

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray
• BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or any other sauce of your choice (for coating)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it is coated evenly. Shake off any excess batter.
4. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet and spray them with cooking spray for a crispy texture.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the florets turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and let them cool slightly. Toss them in your favourite sauce until well coated.
7. Serve the cauliflower wings hot as a delightful and healthy snack option, perfect for parties or a cosy evening at home.

Cauliflower Rice Pulao - A Low-Carb Twist on a Traditional Dish

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized cauliflower, grated
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, etc.), finely chopped
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Method:

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
5. Add the finely chopped mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.
6. Stir in the grated cauliflower and mix well with the vegetables and spices. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until the cauliflower is cooked but still retains a slight crunch.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve the cauliflower rice pulao hot with raita or yoghourt on the side.

Cauliflower is undoubtedly a versatile vegetable that can add depth and flavour to your meals in unexpected ways. From the spicy and tangy Gobi Manchurian to the healthy and guilt-free cauliflower pizza crust, these five recipes showcase the diverse potential of this humble vegetable. Whether you're looking for an appetiser, a main course, or a satisfying snack, cauliflower has got you covered. So, don't shy away from experimenting with this versatile veggie and let it take centre stage in your culinary adventures!