Aloo Phulkopir dalna (Potato Cauliflower Curry)

This one is a winter favorite of Bengalees. We love our Luchi along with this preparation. Phulkopi (Cauliflower) is available fresh in West Bengal during winter and every Bengali (traditional or not) loves this one. Let’s get started with this yummy preparation right away.

Preparation Time: - 15 min

Cooking Time: - 35~40 min depending upon the time your cauliflower takes to be fully done.

Servings: - 4~5 persons

Ingredients:- 

1. Potato – 3 medium one ( 500 g approx)
2. Cauliflower – 1 medium size
3. Onions – 1 large or 2 medium ones grinded to make paste
4. Ginger paste – 2 ½ tablespoon
5. Green Chilies – 1~2 (stilted). Red chili for the spice lovers
6. Tomato – 2 medium sized (chopped)
7. Cumin seeds – ½  teaspoon
8. Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
9. Coriander powder – 1 ½ teaspoon
10. Ghee – 1 ½  tablespoon
11. Garam Masala - 1 ½ teaspoon
12. Turmeric Powder – ½ teaspoon
13. Salt and sugar - To taste.
14. Bay leaf – 2~3 nos.
15. Oil – 10~12 tablespoon. I prefer mustard oil but sunflower oil also can be used.
16. Green peas – ¼ cup
17. Asafetida / Hing- ½ teaspoon

Preparation:-

1. Cut the cauliflower into medium florets and potatoes into medium cubes.
   
   
   
   
2. Boil the cauliflower in a bowl or in Microwave oven for 3~4 minutes. Drain excess water from the cauliflower. This way the indigestion due to eating cauliflower is reduced to minimum. Mix with salt and turmeric powder. Keep aside.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry potatoes till they turn golden and then fry cauliflower florets until those turn golden brown. Keep aside both the fried stuff.
   
   
4. Keep few tissue papers on a flat surface. Put the fry on it to drain the excess oil.
5. Heat Oil in a pan and put ½ tbsp ghee, Bay leaves, Green/Red Chili, Cumin Seed and Asafetida.
6. Add onion paste and cook for some time
7. Then add finely chopped tomato and ginger paste. Sauté for two minutes.
8. Add Cumin Powder, Coriander powder, Turmeric, Sugar and Salt.  Sauté till oil comes out from the mix.
9. Add Green Peas.
10. Add fried potatoes and sauté for 5 minutes in low flame.
11. Now add fried cauliflower and sauté for 5 more minutes.
12. Add 250 ml of water and boil in medium flame.
    
13. Put the Garam Masala and boil for 2~3 min
14. Add 1 tbsp. of Ghee and mix it well with the Dalna.
15. Cover and cook for 1~2 min

Try this hot with Luchi or Kachori or Rice or Kitchdi.
As always please feel free to comment, criticize and seek if any help is required. I am all ears.