We are in the middle of November, and winter is reaching its peak. It is the season to wrap ourselves in a blanket and sip a hot cup of tea or coffee. Besides chai and other hot beverages, seasonal vegetables like carrots, peas, spinach, beetroots, lettuce, turnips, radishes, and cauliflower are also an important part of our diet during the winter.
Speaking particularly about cauliflower, it is very common in Indian households. Also known as gobi, this vegetable is very versatile and can become a part of all three meals. Paratha, aloo-gobi, pickles, soup, pakora, and achari gobi are some popular dishes prepared with cauliflower in India. It can also be added to our noodles, salads, and pizzas. But did you know that this vegetable is also ideal for your house party menu? Here are nine delicious appetiser recipes you can prepare with cauliflower for your winter celebrations:
Gobi Manchurian
Manchurian is a go-to dish in India for party appetiser. But if you are bored of the regular recipe, why not try Gobi Manchurian this season? Prepared with cauliflower florets, spices, chilli sauce, vinegar, and all-purpose flour, this dish is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy in taste. You can also serve it as a side dish with noodles or fried rice.
Gobi 65
Gobi 65 is a delicious, crispy appetiser that is very popular in South Indian restaurants. It is a vegetarian alternative to chicken 65. This dish is prepared with cauliflower, all-purpose flour, yoghurt, and spices like cumin seeds, red chilli powder, and curry leaves. These yummy florets are best served with green chillies and lemon wedges.
Tandoori Roasted Gobi
We often pick tandoori dishes like chicken and kebab for our parties and celebrations. So, let's try tandoori gobi for your next occasion. Tossed in a spiced yoghurt marinade, it can be roasted in an oven or an air-fryer. This flavourful and crispy appetiser can be enjoyed with any green chutney. You can also sprinkle some chaat masala on the dish before serving.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
If you want to serve something unique and interesting, then try cauliflower wings. The name may make you feel like it’s a complicated recipe, but the truth is quite the opposite. This baked appetiser has a delicious, spicy, and tangy flavour and can be served with any of your favourite dips. The main ingredients for preparing this dish are cauliflower florets, all-purpose flour, cornflour, ginger-onion powder, and buffalo sauce.
Gobi Steak
Made with cauliflower heads, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, it is baked in the oven. Simple to prepare, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days; you just have to reheat it before serving. Besides being an appetiser, gobi steak can also be served as a main course. You can serve it with tomato ketchup or any of your favourite chutneys.
Popcorn Cauliflower
This is another unique and interesting way to impress your guests at the house party. Popcorn cauliflower is quick and easy to prepare and has a crispy and savoury flavour. Made with gobi florets, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, soda water, and spices like black pepper and garlic powder, it is very delicious. Serve popcorn cauliflower with red or green chutney.
Gobi Kebab
Gobi kebab is made with cauliflower, gram flour, rice flour, onion and flavourful spices like red chilli powder, chaat masala and garam masala. You can also add some boiled potatoes into the recipe to make it more delicious. This vegetarian kebab is best served with spicy red or green chutney.
Chilli Gobi
Chilli gobi is an Indo-Chinese dish that is inspired from chilli chicken and chilli paneer. It is crispy, spicy and goes well as a snack or party appetiser. To prepare this recipe, the cauliflower florets are coated with a flavourful batter prepared with all-purpose flour and spices like black pepper, soy sauce and red chilli powder.
Gobi Vada
Gobi vada is a crispy and delicious snack cum appetiser that is prepared along with chana dal. It is flavoured with ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, red chilli powder and garam masala. This deep-fried snack goes well with red chutney, green chutney and tomato ketchup. You can also bake it instead of deep-frying.