Tree Of Life ‐ Cauliflower

This is a signature dish of Chef Vikas Khanna and I had read in news long time back that this dish  was being served to the President of United states specially for dinner by chef .I was looking for the recipe and finally got it from my blogger friend Mareena.In this recipe, she did some changes to the original one.I followed her recipe and the final outcome was yummy and delicious.This dish is prepared by cutting cauliflower like a tree,then deep fry in oil and serve on top of spicy masala. This is a must try and can be served during parties to surprise the guests.

Ingredients

1.Cauliflower cross section cut in thickness (should look like a tree) 1″

For Marination

1. Ginger-garlic paste -1 tablespoon
2. Chilly powder-  1/2 teaspoon
3. Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
4. Salt – to taste
5. Oil – 1/2 teaspoon
6. Oil – for deep frying

For the masala

1. Onion (cut into slices) -1/4 cup
2. Fennel seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
3. Mustard seeds -1/2 teaspoon
4. Fenugreek seeds -1/2 teaspoon
5. Nigella seeds(Kalonji) – 1/2 teaspoon
6. Cumin seeds – 1/4 teaspoon
7. Asafoetida – 1/4 teaspoon
8. Ginger-garlic paste – 1/2 teaspoon
9. Green chillies(chopped) – 1/2 teaspoon
10. Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
11. Chilly powder – 1/4 teaspoon
12. Garam masala – 1/4 teaspoon
13. Dried mango powder (Amchoor) – 1/2 teaspoon
14. Salt – to taste
15. Beaten Curd – 1/2 cup
16. Cream – 1/4 cup
17. Coriander leaves – to garnish

Preparation

1. Marinate the cauliflower with the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, chilly powder, oil and salt. Keep aside for 15 minutes. Heat  oil in a pan and fry the cauliflower piece wholly, till golden brown. Drain onto an tissue paper and keep aside.If you want, you can bake in an preheated oven at 180 degree c for 15 minutes.
2. Heat another pan with 1/2 tablespoon oil. Add the fennel seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, cumin seeds and asafoetida. When they start to crackle, add the onions followed by ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chillies. Saute till the onions turn translucent.
3. Add the turmeric powder, chilly powder, garam masala, amchoor powder and stir for a minute. Add curd & cream and mix well. Cook for 3-4 minutes.Remove from fire.

For Presentation

1. Take a plate and spoon the gravy to the centre of the plate forming a round shape. Carefully place the fried cauliflower tree in the centre.
2. Garnish with  coriander leaves
3. Serve hot with Roti or Rice.

Recipe Source:Mareenas Recipe collections