Indian-Inspired Turmeric Cauliflower Stew

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ACTIVE PREP TIME: 20-25 MIN
SERVES: 6 (as a side dish)

Cauliflower is a supremely versatile vegetable. It can be roasted, steamed, riced or sautéed in spices. It can be used as a lower-calorie, more nutrient-dense substitute for a traditional pizza crust or mashed potatoes. And it can add color and character to your plate with its yellow, orange, green and purple variants.

When it’s in season, which runs from September through June in California, cauliflower regularly finds its way to our dinner plates.

Here’s a cozy, Indian-inspired turmeric cauliflower stew that will warm your insides as winter fades to spring. It works as both a side dish and a main course.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium cauliflower (steamed)

  • 1 medium red onion (chopped)

  • 1 medium shallot

  • 1 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk

  • 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon (Blackstrap) molasses

  • 1 tablespoon turmeric

  • 1/4 cup cilantro

  • Olive oil to sautée

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, sautée red onions and shallots over medium heat

  2. Add turmeric

  3. Add coconut milk, tomato sauce and tomato paste, while stirring

  4. Add molasses, while stirring

  5. Add cooked cauliflower and remaining ingredients

  6. Cook for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally

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A couple of notes on ingredients:

Coconut Milk Coconut milk is a much cleaner and non-dairy substitute for heavy cream. It adds a rich, creamy texture. Use coconut milk that is canned and full-fat, with no added sugars. Although high in saturated fat, it also contains a strong array of nutrients such as calcium, iron and vitamin C.

Blackstrap Molasses Blackstrap molasses is the thick, dark and bitter syrup that remains after sugar cane is boiled several times to extract the sugar. While sugar is completely devoid of nutrients, blackstrap molasses contains nutrients like vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron and selenium, among many others. Its bitter flavor pairs well with this savory dish.

Eat away!