04 Jun 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp water
1 yolk
1 cauliflower
1 cup greek yogurt
1 shallot
2 tbsp spearmint
2 tbsp lemon juice
This spiced fried cauliflower with yoghurt and mint sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish that's perfect as an appetizer or a main course. The spiced batter gives the cauliflower a crispy texture, while the fresh yoghurt and mint sauce adds a refreshing contrast. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and incredibly rewarding.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Set aside to dry.
2. Make the Batter:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground cumin, turmeric powder, and paprika.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and water until well combined.
- Gradually add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to form a smooth, lump-free batter. If the batter is too thick, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.
3. Fry the Cauliflower:
- Heat the cooking oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Carefully drop the battered florets into the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Fry them until they are golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried cauliflower and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Prepare the Yogurt and Mint Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, finely chopped shallot, chopped spearmint, and lemon juice.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
5. Serve:
- Arrange the spiced fried cauliflower on a serving platter.
- Serve hot alongside the yogurt and mint sauce for dipping.
Tips:
- Ensure the cauliflower is thoroughly dried after washing to help the batter adhere better.
- For a thicker yoghurt sauce, consider straining the yoghurt in a cheesecloth for an hour before mixing with other ingredients.
- Adjust the spices according to your preference; if you like more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
- Fry the cauliflower in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking.
- For an extra crisp texture, you can double-fry the cauliflower: fry until golden, drain, and fry again for a short duration.
Spiced fried cauliflower with yoghurt and mint sauce is a versatile dish that blends crunchy textures with vibrant, fresh flavors. It's perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just a delicious weekday meal. By following these tips and the recipe, you'll be able to create a dish that's both satisfying and impressive. Happy cooking!