Curried Cauliflower & Peas

Today I harvested the cauliflower. The heads were nice except that my lazy gardening habits showed up in the form of deformed side shoots and lots of brown on the one head either from sun scorch or maybe too much moisture. See, to keep your cauliflower heads white you need to tie the leaves from the plant around the head. However, apparently you need to LOOSEN the twine periodically to allow for growth and air circulation (imagine that!). It was still a decent harvest just not as nice as last year - and not as much. Next year I resolve to do better by my cauliflower!

I used my cauliflower to make some yummy curried cauliflower. This recipe is courtesy of a former co-worker, Donna Thouvenin. Donna and I were talking about our love of Indian food one day and she mentioned how she likes to make this recipe because it is quick and easy. Enjoy!

Curried Cauliflower
Serves 4-6
20 minutes

2 Tablespoon oil
1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
2 medium shallots, minced
1 medium clove garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (I often omit since I usually don't have brown sugar on hand)
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk (I get the "lite")
1 Tablespoon fresh basil or cilantro, minced
Salt
Black pepper

Heat oil in large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium high heat until almost smoking. Add cauliflower and saute until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in shallots, garlic and curry. Cook until fragrant about 30 seconds. Stir in brown sugar, peas and coconut milk. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until tender about 2-4 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in basil or cilantro and season with salt and pepper.

I usually use cilantro as I'm a cilantro freak. Can't get enough of that stuff! But I have fresh basil growing in my garden so next time I will have to try that (I forgot for tonight's batch - even forgetting the cilantro!!). I have also made this with frozen cauliflower. Takes longer to cook but still good.

Tonight's batch wasn't as good as I've made in the past. The coconut milk didn't thicken like I expected. And I forgot the cilantro. Still yummy but I've made better. Anyway, enjoy the recipe! I think it's super tasty...and it will make your house smell so yummy (when done with dinner, walk outside and then walk back in - tasty!).