Recipe for Cauliflower Poriyal

Name: Recipe for Cauliflower Poriyal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 Medium-Sized Cauliflower, cut into florets; 1 tbsp Sesame Oil; 1 tsp Chana Dal; 1 tsp Urad Dal; 2-3 Green Chillies; 1 tsp Cumin Seeds; 6-8 Curry Leaves; Salt, to taste; 2 tbsp Grated Coconut; 2 tbsp Finely chopped Coriander Leaves

Cauliflower is a commonly found vegetable in India. It is cooked in many ways in different parts of the country. I have already shared the north Indian style preparation of cauliflower with potatoes, commonly known as Aalu Gobi sabzi.

Today, the recipe I’m sharing is the one that’s widely used in South Indian homes, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Here, stir-fried vegetables are commonly called ‘Poriyal’, which explains the name of the recipe. This recipe is mild, with no use of any spice powders. It pairs well with rice and any tangy gravy. It is a perfect side dish with Rice & Sambar or Rice & Rasam. Since this sabzi is mild and the paired gravy is tangy/sour/spicy, the tastes get balanced.

So, let us start:

Ingredients required for Cauliflower Poriyal:

1 Medium-Sized Cauliflower, cut into florets
1 tbsp Sesame Oil
1 tsp Chana Dal
1 tsp Urad Dal
2-3 Green Chillies
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
6-8 Curry Leaves
Salt, to taste
2 tbsp Grated Coconut
2 tbsp Finely chopped Coriander Leaves

Method to make Cauliflower Poriyal:

Heat oil in a pan. On medium heat, fry chana dal, urad dal and cumin seeds.
When the lentils change colour, add green chillies and curry leaves. Fry for about 15 seconds on medium heat.
Add chopped cauliflower.
Mix well. Reduce the heat. Cover and cook till the cauliflower becomes tender. Mix a few times in between so that it doesn’t burn.
Add salt. Mix well. Garnish with grated coconut and fresh coriander leaves.
Serve as a side dish with rice& any spicy/tangy gravy.

Recently, when I made Cauliflower Poriyal, I paired it with Steamed Rice, a tangy Zucchini Chutney and Tomato Rasam.

rice, zucchini chutney, rasam and cauliflower

Equipment used in the recipe:

Cutting Board: https://amzn.to/3n9IXjM
Knife Set (includes a bread knife): https://amzn.to/3Lg64Bj
Pan: https://amzn.to/44ulCsV

Ingredient sourcing in Germany:

You can get some of this recipe’s ingredients from a German Supermarket. However, Indian ingredients can be purchased from any Indian shop near you or Spicelands. They are a big store in Frankfurt, delivering all across Germany.

Here is the recipe in printable format: