The paratha that I liked the most is the cauliflower. This is a vegetable that is easily available fresh and is in season. I am sure that you all agree with me that seasonal vegetables taste better when they are in season as compared to the cold storage ones that are available all year round.
Cauliflower is a vegetable native to the Mediterranean region, especially the northeastern portion of this region in what is now Turkey. Its history dates back to 2000 years and the cauliflower can be either loose curd (head) or the curd (head). Many countries focus on the loose curd, which lacks the large compact head and features long stem and leaves.
Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family along with broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts and some other less common varieties. Recent studies suggest that cruciferous vegetables are an excellent source of natural antioxidants due to their high levels of various phytochemical, as well as good source of essential vitamins, carotenoids, fibre, soluble sugar, minerals and other essential compounds. As a matter of fact, brassica vegetables are the largest source of phenolic compounds in the human diet.
The most commonly consumed variety of cauliflower is the white and many people consider it to be not as healthy as its green counterpart, broccoli, which is not really true in all aspects. The white variety of cauliflower is just as rich in nutrients as the green cruciferous vegetables.
There are four main classification of cauliflower based on its colour – white, green, purple and orange. The floret part of cauliflower is what most of the people eat; however the stem and leaves are also edible and are especially good while making a soup or stock.
Due to its closed structure, it is important that you prepare the cauliflower properly before you cook it so that no foreign particles are present. First remove the outer leaves and then separate the florets into smaller florets at the base where they meet the stalks. Trim any brown colourations that may exist on the edges. Dip the florets in warm salt water to remove any insects or foreign particles. Blanch them in salted water again to cook the florets and retain the white colour. Then dip them in ice bath to stop the carry over cooking and retain the crunchy texture of cauliflower. Cauliflower contains phytonutrients that release sulphur compounds especially when heated. These odours become stronger with increased cooking time, so to minimise the odour and retain the vegetables crisp texture cook the cauliflower for only a short time.
You can choose the cooking method you like for cauliflower but the one I prefer the most is healthy sauté after a quick blanch in salt water. I always keep three things in mind while cooking my vegetables. First is minimal heat exposure, second is least possible cooking time and the last is minimal seasoning so that the real taste of the vegetable shines through.
India and China are the largest producers of cauliflower in the world, according for about three-fourths of the total production in the world.
While selecting cauliflower, choose a clean, creamy white, compact curd in which the bud clusters are not separated. Spotted or dull coloured cauliflower should be avoided, as well as those in which small flowers appear. Cauliflower heads protected by many think green leaves are better protected and will be fresher. The size is not related to its quality, so choose the one that best suits your requirements. Cooking tip: Add few drops of lemon juice or vinegar while blanching the cauliflower to enhance and protect its colour.
Cauliflower n Turkey Soup
Ingredients
Cauliflower florets 200 gm
Turkey breast 100 gm
Olive oil 30 ml
Garlic clove 2-3 no
Celery stalk 1 no
Noodles 50 gm
Carrots 30 gm
Green peas 30 gm
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Garnish
Cilantro leaves to garnish
Method
Trim and soak cauliflower florets in salted water and keep aside.
Heat oil in a heavy bottom stock pot and sauté chopped garlic cloves.
Once the garlic is light brown add chopped celery and sauté till the celery is translucent.
Add cauliflower florets, diced carrot, green peas and diced turkey breast, and sauté till the florets are browned.
Add water and simmer the ingredients over slow flame for 5-8 minutes.
Add noodles and simmer again for 5 minutes and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Serve hot in a soup plate garnished with cilantro leaves and choice of bread on the side.
* Chef Tarun Kapoor,
Culinary Mastermind, USA. He may be contacted at [email protected]
