5 from 1 vote

In Bengali cuisine, there is a popular dish called “Phulkopir Roast” which refers to a Bengali-style cauliflower roast.

It is a flavorful preparation of cauliflower commonly enjoyed as a side dish or even as a main course when served with rice or bread.

These days, cauliflower roast is also made in microwave. But if you ask me, I will always prefer to prepare the dish on a chullah or gas oven.

The Cauliflower is first fried in ghee and then cooked in creamy gravy flavoured with special blend of spices.

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Key Takeaways:

Cauliflower roast is a royal recipe. It is best paired with pulao, paratha, naan etc.

Make sure you select the best florets and it should be dry while cooking.
The marination is very necessary so that the flavours can get infused in it.
This dish represents the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Bengal

The Ingredients:

Cauliflower: 2 Large Sized Cauliflowers
Curd: 4 tbl spoons

Poppy Seeds: 2 tbl spoons
Cashew: 2 tbl spoons
Green Chillies: 4

Ginger: 1 inch
Cinnamon Sticks: 2
Green Cardamom: 5

Cloves: 2
Black Pepper: 4
Bay Leaves: 1

Dry Chillies: 3
Turmeric Powder: 1 tbl spoon
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: 1 tbl spoon

Coriander Powder: ½ tbl spoon
Cumin Powder: ½ tbl spoon
Garam Masala: ½ tbl spoon

Sugar: 1 tbl spoon
Ghee: 1 tbl spoon
Refined Oil:

Salt to Taste

How to Cook Cauliflower Roast Bengali Style (Step by Step Images)?

1. Make a paste with curd, poppy seeds, cashew nuts, green chilies and ginger.

2. Curd, poppy seeds, cashew nuts and ginger paste is ready to be mixed with turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, ½ tbl spoon of salt and ½ tbl spoon sugar to the paste. Mix well.

3. Add cauliflower to the mixture for marination. Add 1 tbl spoon of refined oil. Mix well. Keep the marinated cauliflower aside for 30 minutes also save little masala mixture to use during cooking.

4. Heat a kadai or cooking pan. Pour refined oil into it.

5. Add bay leaf, dry chilies, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and black peppers. Stir for 1 minute.

6. Add already marinated florets. Fry them for a few minutes.

7. Add the rest of the masala mixture.

8. Cook for some time. Add enough warm water to boil the florets.

9. Put a lid on the kadai and cook for 10 minutes.

10. Remove the lid after 10 minutes. Add ½ tbl spoon of sugar, garam masala and ghee.

11. Add a little salt. Give it a stir.

12. Cook for another 2 minutes with lid on. Cauliflower Roast Bengali Style is ready and transfer it to a bowl.

Pro Tips for Cooking Bengali Style Cauliflower Roast

Use fresh cauliflower for the best taste and texture.
Marinate the cauliflower in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Make sure to evenly coat the cauliflower with the spice mixture for consistent flavor.
Baste the cauliflower with oil or ghee during cooking to keep it moist and enhance the flavors.
Monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking and maintain the desired texture.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime juice for added freshness and tanginess.
Experiment with the spice blend to suit your taste preferences and add variations to the traditional recipe.

What to Serve with Bengali Style Cauliflower Roast?

Here are some options to consider serving with Bengali Style Cauliflower Roast:

Steamed Basmati Rice: Serve the cauliflower roast with fragrant, fluffy basmati rice. The rice will complement the flavors of the spices and provide a balanced meal.

Roti or Paratha: Enjoy the cauliflower roast with freshly made roti or paratha, which are Indian bread varieties. The bread can be used to scoop up the cauliflower and enhance the overall dining experience.

Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can mix and match based on your preferences and the overall meal you want to create.

How Does Cauliflower Roast Bengali Style Taste?

Here’s how it typically tastes:

Spicy: Bengali cuisine often incorporates a range of spices, and the cauliflower roast is no exception. The dish is typically seasoned with a combination of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and red chili powder. This imparts a warm and spicy flavor profile to the dish.

Tangy: Bengali cuisine often includes tangy elements, and the cauliflower roast may feature tangy ingredients such as tomatoes, tamarind, or yogurt. These tangy components add a delightful tartness to the dish, balancing out the spices.

Umami: The roasting process brings out the natural umami flavors of the cauliflower, creating a deliciously savory and slightly nutty taste. The cauliflower absorbs the spices and seasonings, enhancing its natural flavors.

Aromatic: Bengali cuisine often incorporates fragrant ingredients such as cumin, mustard seeds, and ghee (clarified butter). These aromatics infuse the dish with a pleasant and enticing aroma that adds to the overall taste experience.

Overall, Cauliflower Roast Bengali Style is a flavorful dish with a combination of spices, tanginess, savory elements, and aromatic flavors. It offers a delightful balance of tastes, making it a popular and satisfying dish in Bengali cuisine.

Bengali Style Cauliflower Roast Alternatives

Here are a few options that you might consider:

Aloo Gobi: Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian dish made with cauliflower and potatoes. It is typically cooked with similar spices and flavors as the Bengali style cauliflower roast but includes the addition of potatoes, which adds more texture and substance to the dish.

Cauliflower Curry: Instead of roasting the cauliflower, you can prepare a cauliflower curry with Bengali flavors. This involves cooking cauliflower florets in a spiced tomato-based gravy, often including ingredients like ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

Cauliflower Bhaji: Bhaji refers to a stir-fried vegetable dish. You can make a Bengali-style cauliflower bhaji by sautéing cauliflower florets with spices such as mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. It’s a quick and simple alternative to a roast.

Cauliflower Biryani: If you’re looking for a one-pot meal, consider making a cauliflower biryani. This flavorful rice dish incorporates spiced cauliflower florets, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Cauliflower Pakoras: Instead of a roasted dish, you can transform cauliflower into crispy and flavorful pakoras. Dip cauliflower florets in a spiced batter made from chickpea flour (besan) and deep-fry them until golden brown. Serve them as a delicious appetizer or snack.

These alternatives offer different preparations and variations of cauliflower dishes while still incorporating Bengali flavors and spices. Choose the one that suits your taste preferences and cooking style.

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Conclusion

Bengali Style Cauliflower Roast is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of cauliflower with aromatic spices and a touch of tanginess.

The dish is known for its tender cauliflower florets, coated in a rich blend of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and mustard.

With its unique taste and cultural heritage, Bengali Style Cauliflower Roast offers a satisfying and wholesome culinary experience.