Aloo Gobi – A Simple and Flavourful Indian Dish

Aloo Gobi, a delightful combination of potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi), is a popular Indian dish known for its comforting flavors. It’s a perfect vegan recipe that can be enjoyed with roti, paratha, or rice. The beauty of this dish lies in the way simple ingredients come together to create a burst of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 medium-sized potatoes, cut into cubes
• 1 medium-sized cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1.5 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur)
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust as per taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 3-4 teaspoons oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
• Salt to taste

Simple Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Start by heating 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add the cauliflower florets and sauté them for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the cubed potatoes.
   • Fry these vegetables on medium-low heat for about 7-8 minutes until they have a slight golden color. This will help them retain their texture and avoid becoming soggy.
   • Once done, set them aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
2. Cook the Spices and Onions:
   • In the same pan, heat another 1.5 teaspoons of oil and add cumin seeds. Let them crackle to release their flavor.
   • Add the chopped onions and cook for about 2 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.
   • Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
   • Next, add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes, until they become soft.
   • Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and amchur (dry mango powder) to the pan. Stir well and let the spices cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine the Vegetables:
   • Now, add the sautéed potatoes and cauliflower into the pan with the cooked masala (spices and onion-tomato mixture). Mix them well.
   • Add a handful of chopped cilantro for extra flavor and continue to mix.
5. Final Cooking:
   • Sprinkle garam masala over the dish and cook the mixture on medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
   • Add salt to taste, then cover the pan and cook for another 6-7 minutes on low flame. This will help soften the potatoes and cauliflower, ensuring they remain tender but not mushy. If the masala starts sticking to the pan, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time, just enough to keep the vegetables from burning.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once everything is cooked and tender, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Aloo Gobi:

• To avoid soggy cauliflower, partially cook the vegetables (either by boiling or frying them) before adding them to the masala. This step helps maintain their shape and texture.
• Avoid covering the pan while cooking the cauliflower to prevent it from becoming too soft. Covering the pan at the end, however, will help lock in the flavors.
• Adjust the spices based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red chili powder or garam masala.

Why You’ll Love Aloo Gobi: Aloo Gobi is not only delicious but also a great source of vitamins and fiber from the cauliflower and potatoes. It is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories. This dish is perfect for a quick weekday meal or even for special occasions. The blend of spices and the softness of potatoes and cauliflower make it a comforting and satisfying meal for everyone.

Enjoy this traditional Indian dish with your favorite flatbread or rice!