TANDOORI GOBI / GRILLED CAULIFLOWER

I love Cauliflower in all forms; curry, batter fried, grilled. I think it is an universally accepted and loved vegetable. With it's availability throughout the year nowadays, it is a regular in our home. My personal favourite is a humble meal of rice, dal and batter fried cauliflower pakoras. Remembering childhood days, cauliflower was available only during the winter.... the white beauty hidden within the long green leaves. So lovely was it's taste that I cannot equate it with it's taste now. Each part of a cauliflower was eaten in our family, even the leaves. In those days, cauliflower was rarely available during the summers, mom used to get them at a high price during the special occasions...... during any pooja at home, also if there were guests. Perhaps so they tasted even better in the off season. I often prepare this Tandoori Gobi / Grilled Cauliflower and serve it as a vegetarian starter. I never did try it with a whole cauliflower as it does not work for me, I prefer to cut it into pieces, marinate it with the spices and plain yogurt and then grill. This grilled vegetarian starter with cauliflower is loved by the family and our guests too. If we leave the marination period, it is quick to do and hassle free. Let us do this Tandoori Gobi / Grilled Cauliflower together.

INGREDIENTS : 

Cauliflower : 1medium
Plain Yogurt : 1 medium cup
Tandoori Masala : 2tbsp [ I use Everest's]
Coriander Powder : 1tsp
Cumin Powder : 1/2tsp
Red Chilli Powder : 1tsp
Turmeric Powder : 1tsp

Lemon Juice : 3-4 tbsp
Salt : As Required
Sugar : 1/2tsp [optional]
Oil : 3-4tbsp

METHOD :

Cut the cauliflower into florets and wash thoroughly. Soak in hot water for 15-20 minutes and drain the water. Apply salt and turmeric, keep aside for another 10-15 minutes.

Rub chilli powder, cumin and coriander powder, tandoori masala, beaten yogurt, oil to the florets. Keep marinated in a covered container for 2-3 hours.

It is better to beat together all of the spices, oil, yogurt and rub on the cauliflower florets.

I do not have an OTG but a convection mode microwave. So I grilled the marinated cauliflower florets one side for 10-13 minutes, turned to the other side, grilled for another 8-10 minutes.

The cooking time may vary in each machine.

Serve hot with your choice of sauce or dips.