Name: Indian-Spiced Stuffed Cauliflower
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon ground turmeric; Salt; One 3-pound head of cauliflower, core trimmed; 2 tablespoons chickpea flour; 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt; 2 tablespoons Ginger Paste; 2 tablespoons Garlic Paste; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/4 cup roasted cashews, coarsely chopped; 1/3 cup finely chopped green beans; 1 small carrot, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon garam masala; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/8 teaspoon ground fenugreek; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons dried currants; Freshly ground pepper

Indian-Spiced Stuffed Cauliflower

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What a spectacular way to serve cauliflower! The whole head is simmered in turmeric water, then stuffed with nuts and spices and slathered with a spicy paste. When it emerges from the oven, elegant and golden brown, it makes an unforgettable vegetarian main dish. More Satisfying Vegetarian Recipes

By Food & Wine Editors

Updated on February 6, 2017

Indian-Spiced Stuffed Cauliflower — Photo: © Petrina Tinslay

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

1 hrs 40 mins

Yield:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon ground turmeric
Salt
One 3-pound head of cauliflower, core trimmed
2 tablespoons chickpea flour
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons Ginger Paste
2 tablespoons Garlic Paste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup roasted cashews, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup finely chopped green beans
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon garam masala
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground fenugreek
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons dried currants
Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in the turmeric and 1 tablespoon of salt, add the head of cauliflower and cook until barely tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer the cauliflower to a large colander and let cool.
In a small skillet, toast the chickpea flour over moderate heat, stirring, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Scrape the flour into a medium bowl and let cool, then stir in the yogurt, Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste and 1 tablespoon of the oil; season with salt.
In a mini food processor, finely grind the cashews. In the small skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the green beans and carrot and cook over low heat, stirring, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garam masala, cumin, cayenne and fenugreek and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Scrape the mixture into a medium bowl and let cool, then stir in the cottage cheese, Cheddar, currants and ground cashews; season with salt and pepper.
Carefully stuff the head of cauliflower, packing small amounts of the vegetable mixture in between the florets and in the crannies on the underside of the head. Set the stuffed cauliflower in a baking dish, right side up, and spoon the yogurt topping all over the head. Bake the cauliflower for about 1 hour, or until richly browned. Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead

The stuffed cauliflower can be refrigerated overnight; refrigerate the yogurt topping separately.

Suggested Pairing

The warm spices and tangy acidity of the yogurt sauce suggest an aromatic and fruity white with a hint of bright citrus. Try an off-dry but crisp New World Riesling from Napa Valley or an off-dry sparkling wine from Washington State.