Tandoori Gobi/ Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower

November 29, 2020mayurisjikoni
Blog post

EVENT: SHHH COOKING SECRETLY

THEME: FRESH WINTER VEGGIES

RECIPE: TANDOORI GOBI/ ROASTED TANDOORI CAULIFLOWER

What is Tandoori Gobi?

Generally the word Tandoori is used for non vegetarian preparations like tandoori chicken, tandoori mutton, tandoori fish, etc. However, to cater for the vegetarians its common to find tandoori paneer, tandoori mushroom, tandoori gobi, etc on a menu. Tandoor is a clay oven. First the main ingredient be it vegetarian or non vegetarian is marinated in yogurt along with spices. Usually people have their specific recipe for tandoori spice mixture. The marinated food is then roasted or grilled in a tandoor. At home its not possible to have a tandoor, therefore an oven is used or its roasted in a pan.

Winter Vegetables

What type of vegetables are available in Winter will vary from region to region. While in Kenya we don’t have winter, any other countries have a winter season. Fresh Vegetables generally available during that time are peas, cauliflower, cabbage, fresh fenugreek, spinach, mustard greens, bell pepper, carrots, onions, hyacinth beans (surti papdi), lilva(pigeon peas), fresh green garlic, kohlrabi, fennel, Brussel sprouts, leek, rutabaga, turnip,winter squash, celery, etc.

Some Recipes using Winter Vegetables:

My Choice 

As Kenya per say does not have a winter season some vegetables are mostly available throughout the year. Its only when it gets scorching hot during the months of Feb, March and April that it becomes slightly difficult to get certain vegetables. However, modern irrigation and technology ensures that we have a steady supply of vegetables unless some natural calamity occurs. I chose CAULIFLOWER as my winter vegetable and prepared Tandoori Gobi or Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower. In fact cauliflower in Hindi is called gobi, gobhi.

A bit about the group:

Every month a new theme is chosen by members. Then the participants are paired up. They give each other 2 secret ingredients to use in their recipe which is prepared fitting the theme. As soon as their dish is ready, the photo is shared on our Facebook group and other try and guess the secret ingredients. Finally, towards the end of the month the recipe is shared on the group. This way members get to know each other and interact with each other.

This Month’s Theme:

This month Preethi who blogs at Preethi’s Cuisine suggested the theme FRESH WINTER VEGGIES. Using any fresh vegetable or vegetables that are available we had to prepare a dish. During winter one vegetable that is available in abundance in India is fresh peas. Preethi’s Achari Matar Masala is perfect for the cold winters.

My Partner

There are times when we have an odd number of participants. If we face a situation like that then either I partner with two participants or my Co Admin Renu does that. This time Renu is partnered with Preethi and me. In such a situation, I don’t give her secret ingredients but she gives me. Renu gets her ingredients from Preethi. Renu asked me to use Red Chilli Powder and Ginger in my recipe. With her secret ingredients  brown sugar and kale, given by Preethi she prepared Whole Wheat Kale Brownies.

More About Tandoori Gobi/ Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower

I’ve prepared Tandoori Gobi several times and its a great dish to serve as a hot starter when you have a small group of people over for a meal. I just put the marinated gobi or cauliflower florets to bake in the oven about 20 minutes before the guests arrive. After its baked I lower the temperature so that the Tandoori Gobi not only stays hot but also gets more cooked. Many boil cauliflower florets before its marinaded, but I don’t. I only make it if I get fresh crispy cauliflower. If you wish you can skewer the florets in soaked wooden long sticks or bake separately. I prefer to bake them separately as its allows the guests to enjoy them using a cocktail stick.

Other options using the same marinade

Replace the cauliflower with mushrooms, potatoes, paneer, tofu, broccoli, fish, chicken, meat of your choice.

Ingredients Required for Tandoori Gobi/ Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower

As I’ve used homemade Tandoori Masala or Tandoori Spice Mixture, I don’t need many spices separately to add to the marinade.

  • Cauliflower – it has to be fresh and free from worms. Remove the leaves and soak it in salted water for at least 15-20 minutes to remove any worms or insects. Wrap the cauliflower in a kitchen towel so it gets dry.
  •  Plain Yogurt – must be fresh and thick
  • Salt – add according to your taste
  • Garlic – minced
  • Ginger – minced
  • Oil – any vegetable oil of your choice
  • Tandoori Masala – homemade or store bought tandoori spice mixture
  • Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder – or use paprika
  • Chickpea Flour – besan, chana no lot. Allows the marinade to stick to the cauliflower florets
  • Semolina – adds a little crunch to the roasted cauliflower florets
  • Turmeric Powder – haldi
  • Lemon Juice
  • Kasuri Methi – dried fenugreek leaves
  • Green Chutney – to serve tandoori gobi with
  • Onion – to serve tandoori gobi with

Dietary Tips:

  • For Gluten Free version replace semolina with some cornmeal.
  • Healthy Snack
  • Vegetarian

TANDOORI GOBI/ ROASTED TANDOORI CAULIFLOWER

mayurisjikoni
Tandoori Gobi is delicious spicy cauliflower floret dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or even as a snack. Marinated cauliflower florets are baked and served with sliced onion and a green chutney.
5 from 14 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack, Starter
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

FOR THE TANDOORI MARINADE:

  • 1 cup thick plain yogurt
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp kashmiri chilli powder
  • 1 tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1 -2 tbsp semolina
  • 1 tsp ginger minced
  • 1 tsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 -1½ tsp tandoori masala (tandoori spice mixture)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

OTHER INGREDIENTS

  • 500 g cauliflower head
  • extra oil for brushing and greasing
  • 1 large onion
  • some green chutney

Instructions
 

PREPARATION OF THE MARINADE

  • Mix all the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl.

PREPARATION OF CAULIFLOWER

  • Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and trim off a bit of the thick stem.
  • Soak the cauliflower in salted water for at least 15-20 minutes to remove any worms or insects.
  • Drain out the water and dry the cauliflower on a kitchen towel.
  • Separate the cauliflower into bite size florets. Place them on the kitchen towel so all the excess water is absorbed.

MARINATE THE CAULIFLOWER FLORETS

  • Add the cauliflower florets into the marinade.
  • Mix gently till the florets are coated with the marinade.
  • Cover the bowl and set it aside for 1-2 hours.

ROASTING THE CAULIFLOWER FLORETS

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Line a baking tray with some foil.
  • Brush the foil with some oil.
  • Arrange the marinated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking tray.
  • Bake the cauliflower florets for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the tray and carefully turn over each floret.
  • Bake further for 15 minutes or till the cauliflower florets are cooked.
  • Take the tray out and brush little oil over each floret.
  • Switch on the broiler or grill. Place the tray under it for 5 minutes. This will give a slight charred flavour.
  • Chop onion into slices.
  • Serve tandoori gobi in a platter with onions slices sprinkled over it and the chutney on the side.

Notes

  • If you have to wait to serve the roasted tandoori gobi, leave it in the oven at 150°C till the guest arrive. But don't leave it for too long otherwise it will become dry. Grill or broil when the guest arrive.
  • You can add the cauliflower to the marinade, cover and leave it in the fridge overnight to save time.
  • You can serve tandoori gobi with a chutney of your choice.
  • Add lemon juice according to how sour the yogurt is.
  • If you don't have thick yogurt, use Greek yogurt.
  • You can deep fry the marinaded cauliflower, but I prefer baked or roasted.
Keyword baked tandoori cauliflower, roasted tandoori cauliflower, tandoori gobi recipe

Pin for Later

A little request

If you do try this recipe then please either

  • add a comment below,
  • send a picture to my email mayuri.ajay.patel62@gmail.com
  •  tag me as #mayuri_jikoni on Instagram
  • or tag me on Twitter as #Mayuri1962
 

33 Comments

  • The Girl Next Door

    December 9, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    5 stars
    I could polish off that entire platter all by myself! The Tandoori Gobi looks so flavourful and tempting. Perfect for a winter’s evening!

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 9, 2020 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you so much Archana, I too can have this as a meal on its own. Best part its not fatty 🙂

  • NARMADHA

    December 9, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so tempting Mayuri. One of the favorites in my home and this looks so delicious. Wish you pass the plate to me. Can enjoy them guilt free too.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 10, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      Thank you so much Narmadha.

  • Shobha Keshwani

    December 10, 2020 at 3:10 am

    5 stars
    This is such a delicious and healthy treat. Each bite will be relishable. As such any kind of tandoori preparation is my favourite . Lovely presentation as always. This would even make a good accompaniment with dal chawal.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 10, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      Thank you so much Shobha, like you I love tandoori preparations, the vegetarian ones. Never thought of enjoying tandoori cauliflower with dal chawal. A good suggestion.

  • Preethicuisine

    December 12, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    5 stars
    Tandoori gobhi looks incredibly delicious. I love the vegetarian tandoori options. We would love to have it anytime. The pics make it look even more tempting.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 13, 2020 at 5:00 pm

      Thank you so much Preethi, I too love vegetarian tandoori dishes especially paneer and mushrooms.

  • Poonam Bachhav

    December 13, 2020 at 10:58 am

    5 stars
    That Tandoori gobhi platter looks so inviting ! A healthy flavorful treat for all ages. Beautiful presentation as always.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 13, 2020 at 4:53 pm

      Thank you so much Poonam.

  • Seema Sriram

    December 14, 2020 at 10:44 am

    5 stars
    The tandoori caulis look so good. I could have them all winter and hug that tandoor for warmth too.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 14, 2020 at 3:19 pm

      Thanks Seema, in this you’d have to hug the oven 🙂

  • kalyani

    December 15, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    5 stars
    I bought Phool gobhi twice after reading ur recipe… but without an oven at home, wondering If I can replicate it on the stove top– irresistible Tandoori gobhi 🙂

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 15, 2020 at 8:06 pm

      Kalyani, for stove top version you may need to blanch or boil the cauliflower a bit before you marinate the florets. Then allow to cook on low heat in a skillet. And turn them over. The other option is deep frying.

  • Swati

    December 15, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    5 stars
    Of all the cauliflower dishes Tandoori gobhi is my favourite.. it is getting quite cold here in Delhi and your post has set craving for a plate of oven fresh tandoori gobhi with spicy yogurt green chutney.. looks so lip smackingly good!!yumm..

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 15, 2020 at 8:04 pm

      Thank you so much Swati. Cold season does mean that one can enjoy spicy and chatpata food.

  • Sasmita Sahoo

    December 15, 2020 at 8:51 pm

    Baked cauliflower seems so crisp and sounds like a healthy snack. Winter and with fresh cauliflower, this is a must kinda dish to enjoy the cauli aka gobi. I wanna finish that platter with some chutney !!

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 16, 2020 at 6:01 pm

      Thanks Sasmita.

  • Anu Kollon

    December 16, 2020 at 8:47 am

    5 stars
    These Tandoori gobi looks so delicious and perfect during cold winter weathers. I do have cauliflower with me now and I am going to try this very soon. Great recipe Mayuri.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 16, 2020 at 5:58 pm

      Thank you so much Anu, enjoy it when you make it.

  • Renu

    December 16, 2020 at 9:20 am

    5 stars
    An interesting low carb recipe this is which will also suit my Indian taste buds. Love the flavors and the fact that I can make it a day ahead so definitely saving some time on the main day of the party. Love such recipes.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 16, 2020 at 5:58 pm

      Thank you so much Renu, that’s what I like about making tandoori starters, we can marinate them a day ahead.

  • Rafeeda – The Big Sweet Tooth

    December 16, 2020 at 10:24 am

    5 stars
    Oh, how much I love such meals! They absolutely don’t need any sides as far as I am concerned! The Tandoori Gobhi looks absolutely amazing, beautiful color and baked too!

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 16, 2020 at 5:56 pm

      Thank you so much Rafeeda. Its a dish that can be enjoyed on its own.

  • Jayashree T.Rao

    December 25, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    5 stars
    Loved this version of tandoori gobhi. It looks inviting and a guilt free snack. The weather is perfect to enjoy it.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      December 26, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      Thanks Jayashree and you’re right can enjoy this guilt free snack or starter any time.

  • Sujata Roy

    January 5, 2021 at 5:57 am

    5 stars
    Wow Mayuri tandoori gobhi looks superbly delicious. I would love to have it plateful. A healthy and mouthwatering party snack.

    1. mayurisjikoni

      January 5, 2021 at 3:56 pm

      Thank you so much Sujata.

  • Priya vj

    January 5, 2021 at 11:04 am

    5 stars
    This is an inviting platter and I for sure can polish off this plate single handed and wash it down with some refreshing like juice

    1. mayurisjikoni

      January 5, 2021 at 3:55 pm

      Thanks Priya. It is a snack that one can enjoy without any guilt.

  • Darshna Gohil

    July 29, 2021 at 1:48 pm

    I am thinking of trying this recipe today. Just wondering if you can let me know how much semolina I need to add to this mixture

    1. mayurisjikoni

      July 29, 2021 at 4:04 pm

      oops sorry Darshna I didn’t mention in the recipe. Usually about 1-2 tbsp is enough, just to give that little crunch.

  • How To Make A Tandoori Marinade – Kennedys Curry

    December 4, 2022 at 3:15 pm

    […] or baked are frequently aflame. Because the food is exposed to the fire, it tastes juicy and smoky. Tandoori Gobi is a popular Indian dish because it has a smoky, delicious flavor and is a very juicy dish. […]

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