'Phulkopir Dalna'- Bengali Style Cauliflower Curry

This is one popular vegetarian dish in Bengal especially in winter. I cook it quite often here; thanks to all year long cauliflower supply in this part of the world! Recipe courtesy goes to my mother-in-law who has not yet tasted the one I cook so it might not be as authentic as her's :) but a few friends of mine really like this dish, I thought it might be worth sharing!


Ingredients :

•   One cauliflower cut into medium sized florets
•   2-3 potatoes cut into medium sized cubes ( Skip if you are not a big fan of potatoes)
•   2 tomatoes cut into medium sized pieces
•   Ginger paste 1-2 tbsp
•   Whole garam masala 1 tbsp
•   Cumin , coriander. turmeric, red chilli powder 1 tbsp each
•   Canola oil
•   Salt and sugar to taste

 Directions :

•  Shallow fry cauliflower and potatoes separately till they turn golden brown. 
•  Heat oil in a non stick pan and add whole garam masala. Fry till the oil is flavored for ~ 3 mins.

Fried poatoes and cauliflower ; Flavoring oil with whole garam masala

•  Mix cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder in little water to make a paste. Add this to oil and fry for around 2-3 mins.

Make a paste of cumin, coriander, turmeric and chilli powder

• Add ginger paste an fry for -2 mins.
• Add fried cauliflower and potatoes and saute for 5 mins.

Stir potatoes and cauliflower with spices

• Add tomatoes and mix well.
• Add salt and sugar to taste. 
• Add 1/2 cup of water and cook with lid closed for 15-20 mins . Add more water and stir in between if you think it is becoming too dry

Serve with rice or any kind of Indian bread.

Alu-kopir Dalna

Happy cooking and eating  !!


Ajanta from Amherst