Steamed Cauliflower with herbs and spices

Did you know?
Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, folate and various phytochemicals linked with good health. It also has bioflavonoids, indoles and other chemicals that protect against cancer. It is an ideal snack for weight watchers as it is filling, high in fiber and low in calories ( 25 calories in a cup of florets). To retain flavour and to reduce nutrient loss cauliflower should be cooked rapidly by boiling in minimum amount of water or steaming.

Here's a tasty cauliflower recipe which should be eaten with rice.

Ingredients:
1 lb. cauliflower
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon tumeric
2 teaspoon grated ginger root
1/3 cup chopped tomatoes
1 green chili, chopped
1 tablespoon nonfat plain yogurt
2-3 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon garam masala*

Garam Masala:
2 oz. black cardamom pods
1 oz piece of cinnamon stick
1 oz. cloves
2 oz. peppercorns

Method:
Wash, drain, and cut cauliflower into 1 inch flowerets, including stem.
Combine chili powder, ginger, tomato, green chili, tumeric with the yogurt in a small bowl.
Take a nonstick pan. Put in a little oil.Put cauliflower into pan then pour spices over the top.
Cover pan tightly and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes (Cauliflower will steam in the spicy mixture).
Stir in half the cilantro leaves, increase heat to medium, and cook with lid off, for another 5-6 minutes, to drive off excess moisture. Turn off heat and sprinkle with garam masala and remaining cilantro.

Serve with rice.

Garam Masala:
Heat a heavy skillet, reduce heat, add pods and cinnamon. Move them around for two minutes. Add cloves and peppercorn, and shuffle for another minute. Turn off heat, but continue shuffling until the heat is out of the pan. Pour roasted spices into grinder and grind till you have a fine powder. If not fine, strain it, and discard what won't pass through strainer. Save in airtight jar.

Enjoy this recipe!