Cauliflower, often relegated to the side dish category, takes center stage in this recipe. Transformed into succulent steaks, it's marinated in a vibrant tandoori masala, imbued with smoky and aromatic spices from Jyoti Foods.Β
Ingredients:
For the Tandoori Cauliflower Steaks:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into thick slices (about 1-inch)
- 1 cup yogurt (Greek yogurt recommended for extra thickness)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon tandoori masala powder
- 1 teaspoon JF coriander / dhaniya powder
- 1/2 teaspoon JF turmeric / haldi powder
- 1/2 teaspoon JF garam masala powder
- 1/4 teaspoon JF red chili / lal mirch powder (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for grilling or pan-frying
For the Mint Chutney Raita:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the Magic: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala powder, JF coriander powder, JF turmeric powder, JF garam masala powder, JF red chili powder, and salt. Whisk well to create a smooth marinade. Add the cauliflower steaks and coat them evenly with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, for deeper flavor.
- Grilling or Pan-Searing: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of vegetable oil. Once hot, carefully add the marinated cauliflower steaks and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
- Raita Remix: While the cauliflower cooks, prepare the mint chutney raita. In a bowl, combine yogurt, chopped mint and cilantro, green chili, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and chill until ready to serve.
- A Flavorful Finale: Plate your perfectly grilled cauliflower steaks and drizzle with any leftover marinade for extra tandoori punch. Serve alongside a dollop of the refreshing mint chutney raita for a delightful symphony of flavors and textures.
Tips:
- For a smoky twist, you can grill the cauliflower steaks outdoors on a preheated barbecue.
- If the marinade seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it slightly.
Embrace the Vegetarian Spotlight:
Tandoori Cauliflower Steaks with Mint Chutney Raita is a recipe that proves vegetarian dishes can be just as flavorful and exciting as their meat-based counterparts. So, ditch the ordinary and embrace the power of vegetables! This recipe is sure to become your new favorite.