Phulkopir Dalna
by Tarla Dalal

Phulkopir Dalna is an integral part of Bengali cuisine, and any Bengali in any part of the world is sure to think of this yummy cauliflower subzi whenever they think of home!

This semi-dry subzi is made by cooking cauliflower and green peas in a perfectly-spiced tomato gravy. Since Kashmiri red chilli powder is used, the dish has a vibrant and attractive red colour with moderate spiciness.

Remember to cook the cauliflower on a high flame – to make authentic Phulkopir Dalna you need to get a slightly burnt taste, which you will get only if you cook on a high flame.

Serve this delicious subzi hot and fresh with rice or rotis .

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Phulkopir Dalna recipe - How to make Phulkopir Dalna

2 cups cauliflower florets
1/2 cup green peas
1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
salt to taste
3 tsp oil
1 bayleaf (tejpatta)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
1 whole dry kashmiri red chilli , broken into pieces
1/4 cup fresh tomato pulp
1 tsp ginger (adrak) paste
1/2 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp sugar

Method

Combine the cauliflower, turmeric powder and little salt in a deep bowl and toss well. Keep aside.
Heat 2 tsp oil in a deep non-stick pan, add the cauliflower mixture, mix well and cook on a high flame for 8 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Remove in a plate and keep aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tsp of oil in the same deep non-stick pan, add the bayleaf, cumin seeds, asafoetida and red chillies and sauté on a medium flame for 30 seconds.
Add the fresh tomato pulp and ginger paste and sauté on a medium flame for 30 seconds.
Add the kashmiri red chilli powder, cumin seeds powder, garam masala, sugar and 1 tbsp of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 30 seconds.
Add the green peas, cauliflower mixture, little salt and ¾ cup of water and mix well. Cover with a lid and cook on a medium flame for 8 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
Serve hot.