Cauliflower + Pumpkin

Are cauliflower and pumpkin good friends? I know potatoes and cauliflower are in Aloo Gobi (which I love) and let's just say, pumpkin is a new friend.

This recipe, Stir-Fried Potatoes and Cauliflower with Masala, I found in the book Banana Leaf Temptations. Since I had pumpkin in the fridge, I thought why not let it take the place of potatoes.

The cauliflower and pumpkin are steamed first to shorten cooking time. The recipe uses 1 kg each of cauliflower and pumpkin, which is way too much for me.

I adjusted the masala ingredients to fit the amount of cauliflower and pumpkin I used. I also did not have any aniseed and cumin, so I substituted with the powdered form. It would have been more fragrant if the whole spices were used.

I sort of regretted reducing too much of the spices because there did not seem to be enough to coat the vegetables. So in the recipe below I have increased the amount which I feel should be adequate.

Stir Fried Cauliflower and Pumpkin with Masala

Recipe source : Adapted from Banana Leaf Temptations (page 132)

Ingredients :

- 300g cauliflower, cut into florets and lightly steamed

- 300g pumpkin, cut into cubes and steamed till tender

- 1 tsp mustard seeds

- 1 big onion, sliced

- 2 sprigs curry leaves

- 2 tsp chili paste

- some water

- salt to taste

Mix together these 3 spice powders :

- 2 tsp aniseed powder

- 3 tsp cumin powder

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

Method :

1. Heat oil in pan and fry mustard seeds until they sputter.

2. Add onions and curry leaves.

3. Saute until onions are soft.

4. Add chili paste and continue to saute until chili paste is cooked through.

5. Add the mixed spice powders and saute briefly. Add some water to moisten.

6. Add cauliflower and pumpkin and stir to mix.

7. Add salt to taste

8. Continue to stir till there is no moisture left in the pan.