Broccoli And Cauliflower Coated With Spiced Chickpea Flour Food

BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER COATED WITH SPICED CHICKPEA FLOUR

Steps:

• Mix together the besan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garam masala, cumin, coriander and red pepper flakes, set aside.
• Heat the oil over a low flame and saute the garlic until soft but not brown.
• Add the cauliflower and broccoli and increase the heat a bit. Saute for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to brown.
• Reduce the heat back to low and sprinkle on the reserved spice blend. Cover the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes. Don't peak! This step will release the moisture from the vegetables, you don't want to lose it.
• Sprinkle about a tablespoon of water on the vegetables and toss around a little until they look coated with the besan/spice mix. Resist the temptation to add too much water.
• Cover the pan as quickly as possible and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender but firm, 2-3 minutes. This is the point at which I add in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt or not, depending on who is home for dinner.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toast the coriander, turmeric, cumin seeds, fennel seeds and cayenne in a dry skillet over high heat until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour the oil into a large mixing bowl, and then add the toasted spices. Add the ginger, cauliflower, chickpeas and onions, and toss to coat everything evenly. Place on a sheet tray and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until browned and the cauliflower is tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve with cilantro sprigs and finish with a squeeze of the fresh lime juice.

SPICED CAULIFLOWER WITH CHICKPEAS, HERBS & PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the cauliflower, garlic, spices, 2 tbsp oil and some seasoning in a roasting tin, then roast for 30 mins.
• Add the chickpeas, pine nuts and remaining oil to the tin, then cook for 10 mins more. To serve, stir in the herbs with your chosen dressing.

SPICED WHOLE CAULIFLOWER & WARM CHICKPEA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Mix together all the marinade ingredients plus 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper. Drizzle the oil over the base of a medium roasting tin. Use your hands to coat the cauliflower entirely in the marinade, then sit it in the oiled tin. Spoon any leftover marinade on top. Roast for 30 mins until the topping is set.
• Splash 100ml water into the tin, then cover loosely with foil. Return to the oven and let the cauliflower steam for 30 mins.
• Meanwhile, toss the chickpeas, onion, spices and some seasoning together. Uncover the cauliflower, scatter the chickpea mixture around it (the water will have mainly evaporated), then roast for 20 mins more until the onion is tender and the chickpeas are crisping. The cauliflower should be golden and tender by now - when you insert a skewer inserted through the middle, it should meet little resistance.
• Stir the yogurt and coconut cream together to make a loose dressing, then season. Fold the tomatoes, coriander and lemon juice through the chickpeas, then serve with the dressing and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if you like.

CHICKPEA BATTER-FRIED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Sift together the chickpea flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt and cayenne. Whisk in the water. If the batter is stiff, add more water. Allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes.
• Steam the broccoli florets and stems for four minutes until just tender. Refresh with cold water, and pat dry.
• Heat 3 or 4 inches of canola oil in a wok, frying pan or deep fryer to between 360 degrees and 375 degrees. It's important that the oil be hot enough that the vegetables will cook quickly without absorbing much oil. Use a deep-fry thermometer, and make sure to bring the oil back up to temperature between batches. Whisk the batter, which will have separated. Working in batches so that you don't crowd the pan, dip the vegetables in the batter to coat thoroughly, and carefully place in the hot oil. It should take less than two minutes to achieve a golden brown crust. Carefully remove from the oil using a deep-fry skimmer, tongs or a spider, and drain on paper towels, then transfer to a baking sheet. Keep warm in a 200-degree oven while you continue to cook the remaining vegetables. Serve once all the vegetables have been cooked.