Vegetarian●●●Origin PunjabPrep 20 minutes, plus cooling and marinating timeCook 10 minutes
Tender cauliflower florets are parboiled with whole aromatics, steeped in a spiced yoghurt marinade, and charred over high heat. The resulting florets are smoky and vibrant with a gentle, fragrant warmth.
whole spices for blanching
3.2 gAdded to the poaching water with the cauliflower (step 1)
Place 1 cauliflower cut into medium florets into a large pot and cover just with water. Add 4 large cardamom pods, the whole spices for blanching, and salt to taste. Par-cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until two-thirds tender, then drain completely and leave to cool.
In a wide mixing bowl, combine 375 g hung yoghurt with the marinade masala and season with salt, whisking until thoroughly incorporated.
Heat vegetable oil to taste in a small frying pan over medium heat, add the turmeric for the oil, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour the spiced oil into the yoghurt mixture and stir well. Fold the cooled cauliflower florets into the marinade to coat evenly, then leave to rest for 1 hour.
Prepare a charcoal grill, tandoor, or overhead broiler (grill) to medium heat. Skewer the cauliflower florets onto metal skewers, brush over any leftover marinade, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly charred and cooked through. Serve piping hot alongside salad and chutney.
Use about a third of the weight (0.5 g ground for a 2.5 cm piece), stirred in with the ground spices rather than fried whole, since the powder burns quickly.
Use 1 g ground for 4 g whole (or 1 small pinch per 2 to 3 whole cloves). Add with spice powders; disperses intense warmth quickly, so use with restraint.
Allspice berries
Use 100% of the weight whole in tempering. Imparts a warm, clove-like aromatic profile combined with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon.
Use 50% of the weight mixed with equal parts ground coriander and a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground green cardamom. Sprinkle near the end for a warming finish.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.