Aloo Gobi
A classic North Indian dry curry featuring tender cauliflower florets and golden potato cubes simmered in a fragrant blend of turmeric, cumin, and other aromatic spices. This vegetarian staple is known for its vibrant color and comforting flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 medium head (about 500g) Cauliflower
- 3 medium (about 300g) Potatoes
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 medium Tomatoes
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Garam masala
- 1-2 Green chilies
- 1 inch piece Ginger
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or Ghee
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Peel the potatoes and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion, tomatoes, and green chilies. Grate or mince the ginger.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Temper the spices: Heat the oil or ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or pot over medium heat (180°C / 350°F). Once shimmering, add the cumin seeds. Let them sizzle and turn golden brown, about 30 seconds, releasing their aroma.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced ginger and chopped green chilies, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 4
Add tomatoes and turmeric: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and turmeric powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the oil starts to separate from the mixture, indicating it's well-cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 5
Combine vegetables and cook: Add the cauliflower florets and potato cubes to the pan. Season generously with salt. Stir well to coat all the vegetables evenly with the spice mixture. Ensure no water is added; the vegetables will release their own moisture.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low (140-150°C / 280-300°F), cover the pan tightly, and let the vegetables steam-cook. Stir gently every 5-7 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and cauliflower are fork-tender but not mushy.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 7
Finish and garnish: Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the garam masala. Cook for another minute, uncovered, to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For best results, cook covered on low heat to allow the vegetables to steam in their own moisture.
- ✓Avoid adding water, as this can make the dish mushy. The natural moisture from the vegetables is sufficient.
- ✓The final dish should be a 'dry curry,' meaning it should not be saucy or soupy. Adjust cooking time to achieve desired consistency.
- ✓Ensure potatoes and cauliflower are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Aloo Gobi Matar: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
- With Paneer: Gently pan-fry cubes of paneer until golden and add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) along with cumin seeds for an extra layer of flavor.