A Taste of India: Tandoori Spiced Cauliflower Steaks with Cool Mint Yogurt Sauce

Hello fellow food enthusiasts!

Today, we’re taking a culinary journey to the heart of India with a dish that combines vibrant flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients. If you’re looking for a unique spin on a classic veggie meal, then you’ve come to the right place. Enter: Tandoori Spiced Cauliflower Steaks with Cool Mint Yogurt Sauce.

Ah, cauliflower—such a versatile vegetable, often underestimated but always capable of stealing the spotlight when done right. With its sturdy texture and ability to soak up flavors, cauliflower is the perfect canvas for a symphony of spices. Inspired by traditional tandoori flavors, these cauliflower steaks are roasted to perfection, offering that delightful charred exterior and tender inside that calls out to be savored.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: cauliflower as a steak? Yes, indeed! By slicing the cauliflower into thick steaks, we give it a hearty presentation worthy of any main course. And trust me, the spices are truly magical—a blend of tandoori masala, cumin, paprika, and more—imbuing each bite with a fragrant, warm complexity that transports you straight to a bustling Indian market.

Yet, what would a bold dish be without a cooling counterpart? That’s where our mint yogurt sauce comes in. It’s a refreshing companion to the robust spices, with fresh mint and lemon juice brightening everything up. Not to mention, it’s an absolute breeze to whip up!

Cooking this dish is a straightforward affair, with most of the time spent waiting for those beautiful cauliflower steaks to roast in your oven. While they do their thing, you can easily prepare the mint yogurt sauce and maybe even sip a cup of tea while soaking up the delicious aromas wafting through your kitchen.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing vegetarian meal or looking to explore new culinary terrains, these tandoori spiced cauliflower steaks are sure to delight. They’re perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in with someone special.

Don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out, and feel free to share any twists or accompaniments you come up with!

Until next time, happy cooking!

Warm wishes,

Al

Ingredients

– 1 large cauliflower, cut into 1-inch thick slices
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 tablespoons tandoori masala spice blend
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Pinch of salt
– Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish (optional)
– Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the cauliflower by trimming the leaves and cutting the head into 1-inch thick steaks. You should be able to get about 4 to 5 steaks from a large cauliflower head.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the tandoori masala spice blend, garlic powder, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

4. Brush both sides of each cauliflower steak with olive oil, then generously sprinkle the spice mixture over each side, ensuring an even coating.

5. Arrange the cauliflower steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and slightly charred around the edges.

6. While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the mint yogurt sauce. In another small bowl, combine the yogurt, chopped mint, lemon juice, honey, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.

7. Once the cauliflower steaks are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

8. Serve the tandoori spiced cauliflower steaks drizzled with the mint yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh coriander and lemon wedges, if desired.

9. Enjoy your meal as a flavorful main dish or as a unique vegetarian side.