My post today is a simple vegetable side. This was the first side I cooked after I decided to stop using processed food like oil. Almost all recipes I make start with heating oil in a pan. I have always wondered how much influence that step has on the final taste. I was going to find out.
Cashew or almond paste is routinely used to make the gravy think and creamy. Since I took out the fat content from the recipe when I dropped the oil I decided to replace it with almond butter or crushed almonds. Whole Foods has a little grinder in their bulk bins section where you can grind your own almonds and peanuts. I had bought almond butter for a different recipe and had some left over. I added almonds to the recipe, skipped the oil and left everything else the same. When it was almost done I asked my husband to do a taste test. His response was 'Bhadhiya' or awesome!
I have since made a wide variety of foods without oil. My family loves it.
You will need
1 cauliflower
1 handful peas (I used frozen)
2 tbsp almond butter
3 small tomatoes
1 tsp. cumin coriander powder
1 tsp. red chilli pepper powder
1 tsp. amchur or amboshi powder
salt and pepper to taste
Rinse and break up the cauliflower into florets. Dice the tomatoes and defrost the peas.
Heat a 1/2 cup of water in pan. Add the tomatoes and let them cook until tender. Add all the remaining ingredients, cover and cook until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy. Turn off the heat. Makes a perfect side with flatbread or poli.
Enjoy!
Cashew or almond paste is routinely used to make the gravy think and creamy. Since I took out the fat content from the recipe when I dropped the oil I decided to replace it with almond butter or crushed almonds. Whole Foods has a little grinder in their bulk bins section where you can grind your own almonds and peanuts. I had bought almond butter for a different recipe and had some left over. I added almonds to the recipe, skipped the oil and left everything else the same. When it was almost done I asked my husband to do a taste test. His response was 'Bhadhiya' or awesome!
I have since made a wide variety of foods without oil. My family loves it.
You will need
1 cauliflower
1 handful peas (I used frozen)
2 tbsp almond butter
3 small tomatoes
1 tsp. cumin coriander powder
1 tsp. red chilli pepper powder
1 tsp. amchur or amboshi powder
salt and pepper to taste
Rinse and break up the cauliflower into florets. Dice the tomatoes and defrost the peas.
Heat a 1/2 cup of water in pan. Add the tomatoes and let them cook until tender. Add all the remaining ingredients, cover and cook until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy. Turn off the heat. Makes a perfect side with flatbread or poli.
Enjoy!
This is simply fantastic Varada, such a interesting find. I must also read on this more. The gravy surely looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteYou surely have found a great option , I am sure the sabzi is really Badiya :)) I have cooked without oil and the food tastes as good !
ReplyDeleteLovely vegan recipe... Perfect with my roti's everyday... Im defnitely going to prepare this soon!!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea. Cauliflower and peas is hit combo. Gravy looks delicious
ReplyDeleteAdding almond butter is such a great idea. I always add almond butter to my smoothies. Never thought about adding it to the curries. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely try it out.
ReplyDeleteCooking without oil is a really great way for a healthy lifestyle. Adding nut butter will enhance the taste and will also add some good quality fat to the dish. This curry looks amazing with the rotis.
ReplyDeleteAdding almond butter to the dish must a have given nice creamy texture and taste to the dish. Good one
ReplyDeleteThat is a fantastic dish for roti. Giving up oil is relatively easy for me :)
ReplyDeleteLove this side dish and i never cooked cauliflower in almond gravy.. look superb.
ReplyDeleteCauliflower and peas gravy looks absolutely delicious and adding almond butter to the gravy must have given nice thick creamy consistency.
ReplyDeleteLoved this vegan version of the rich curry!! Willove to have it with some hot phulkas
ReplyDelete