Cauliflower 65 Veg Recipes of India: Delicious & Easy Ideas

Cauliflower 65 is a delightful vegetarian twist on the classic Indian appetizer, Chicken 65. Originating from South India, this dish features crisp, spicy, and tangy cauliflower florets that are marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and deep-fried to perfection.

This recipe is loved for its bold flavors and crunchy texture, making it an excellent snack or starter for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in Indian cuisine, Cauliflower 65 offers a simple yet impressive way to enjoy one of the subcontinent’s most iconic treats.

In this article, we’ll not only share a detailed recipe for making Cauliflower 65 but also explore 65 unique vegetarian recipes from India that celebrate this versatile vegetable. From street food favorites to home-style dishes, cauliflower plays a starring role in Indian cooking.

Let’s dive into the spices, techniques, and variations that make Cauliflower 65 and other Indian cauliflower dishes so irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cauliflower 65 is a perfect blend of spices and textures that makes it stand out. The florets get a crispy coating with a spicy marinade that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite.

It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and easily adaptable for vegan diets by tweaking a few ingredients.

This recipe is a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste. It pairs wonderfully with chutneys, dips, or simply as a snack with tea.

Plus, the cauliflower stays crunchy and retains its nutritional value, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Lastly, cauliflower’s mild flavor acts as a perfect canvas for spices, so you can experiment with heat levels and accompaniments. If you enjoy dishes like Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes, you’ll appreciate how versatile and easy this recipe is to customize.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup rice flour (for extra crispiness)
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 3 tbsp yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt for vegan option)
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2-3 green chilies (finely chopped, optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• A handful of curry leaves
• Oil for deep frying
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Deep frying pan or wok
• Slotted spoon
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Paper towels for draining
• Serving plate

Instructions

1. Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into small, even-sized florets. Blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, black pepper, lemon juice, salt, and chopped green chilies. Mix well to form a smooth paste.
3. Marinate the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
4. Prepare the batter: In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rice flour, and cornflour. Gradually add water and whisk until you get a thick, smooth batter.
5. Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
6. Coat and fry: Dip each marinated cauliflower floret into the flour batter, allowing excess to drip off. Carefully drop them into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
7. Fry curry leaves: In the last minute of frying, add fresh curry leaves to the oil and fry until crisp. Remove both the cauliflower and curry leaves with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve: Transfer the fried cauliflower 65 to a serving plate, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot with mint chutney or ketchup.

Tips & Variations

“For extra crispiness, add a pinch of baking soda to the batter just before frying.”

You can replace yogurt with coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan marinade. Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the red chili powder and green chilies.

To add smoky flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika.

Try baking the cauliflower instead of frying for a healthier version. Simply spread the batter-coated florets on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For a tangy twist, add a teaspoon of chaat masala or amchur powder (dry mango powder) just before serving. You can also experiment by adding finely chopped onions or bell peppers in the marinade for extra crunch and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cauliflower 65 is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a starter with a side of cooling mint or tamarind chutney to balance the heat.

It also works well as a side dish with Indian breads like naan or roti, or alongside rice pilafs.

For party snacks, pair it with other Indian appetizers such as samosas or pakoras. If you love dips, this dish complements creamy yogurt dips or even fusion sauces like the Halibut Dip Recipe for an interesting twist.

Looking for more hearty vegetarian dishes? Try our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or explore other flavorful options like Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for non-vegetarians in your household.

65 Delicious Cauliflower Recipes of India

Cauliflower is celebrated across India in many forms. Here is a curated list of 65 vegetarian recipes highlighting cauliflower’s versatility in Indian cuisine.

These recipes range from street foods to hearty meals and festive dishes:

• Cauliflower 65 – The spicy, crispy appetizer we just mastered.
• Gobi Manchurian – Indo-Chinese cauliflower tossed in tangy sauces.
• Aloo Gobi – Classic dry curry with potatoes and cauliflower.
• Gobi Paratha – Stuffed flatbread with spiced cauliflower filling.
• Cauliflower Pakora – Cauliflower fritters dipped in chickpea batter and fried.
• Cauliflower Biryani – Aromatic rice cooked with cauliflower and spices.
• Gobi Masala – Rich tomato-based curry with cauliflower.
• Cauliflower Tikka – Marinated and grilled cauliflower chunks.
• Cauliflower Korma – Creamy coconut and cashew curry.
• Cauliflower Sambar – South Indian lentil stew with cauliflower.
• Gobi Matar – Cauliflower and green peas cooked in a tomato gravy.
• Cauliflower Pulao – Fragrant rice pilaf with spiced cauliflower bits.
• Cauliflower and Spinach Curry – Nutritious and flavorful combination.
• Cauliflower and Peas Stir Fry – Dry sauté with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
• Cauliflower Bhaji – Maharashtrian style lightly spiced dry cauliflower.
• Cauliflower and Potato Curry – Comforting homestyle curry.
• Cauliflower Raita – Yogurt dip with finely chopped cauliflower and spices.
• Cauliflower Cutlets – Spiced patties shallow fried to golden perfection.
• Cauliflower and Lentil Dal – Protein-packed stew with cauliflower florets.
• Cauliflower Pickle – Tangy, spicy Indian style pickle.
• Cauliflower and Tomato Sabzi – Simple stir-fry with tomatoes and turmeric.
• Cauliflower and Mushroom Curry – Earthy mushrooms with cauliflower in rich gravy.
• Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry – Hearty curry with protein-rich chickpeas.
• Cauliflower and Peas Pulao – Quick one-pot rice with veggies.
• Cauliflower and Carrot Sabzi – Colorful mixed vegetable dry curry.
• Cauliflower and Paneer Curry – Cottage cheese and cauliflower cooked in tomato and cream sauce.
• Cauliflower and Capsicum Stir Fry – Crisp and spicy dry sauté.
• Cauliflower and Potato Samosa – Fried pastry pockets filled with spiced cauliflower and potato.
• Cauliflower and Peas Pulao – Aromatic rice with mixed veggies.
• Cauliflower and Tomato Chutney – Tangy chutney perfect with dosa or idli.
• Cauliflower and Spinach Pakora – Deep-fried fritters packed with greens and cauliflower.
• Cauliflower Malai Curry – Creamy curry with cashew cream and mild spices.
• Cauliflower and Potato Bhaji – Dry spiced vegetable side dish.
• Cauliflower and Peas Masala – Thick, flavorful curry for rice or roti.
• Cauliflower and Lentil Soup – Light and comforting Indian-style soup.
• Cauliflower and Green Bean Stir Fry – Crisp veggies with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
• Cauliflower and Sweet Corn Curry – Sweetness balanced with spices.
• Cauliflower and Capsicum Pakoras – Mixed vegetable fritters.
• Cauliflower and Peanut Curry – Nutty and spicy gravy.
• Cauliflower and Tamarind Curry – Tangy tamarind based sauce.
• Cauliflower and Coconut Curry – Creamy South Indian style curry.
• Cauliflower and Potato Tikki – Pan-fried cutlets with mint chutney.
• Cauliflower and Peas Stir Fry – Quick sauté with cumin and garlic.
• Cauliflower and Tomato Curry – Simple everyday curry.
• Cauliflower and Chickpeas Sundal – South Indian dry snack with mustard seeds.
• Cauliflower and Green Chili Fry – Spicy dry vegetable preparation.
• Cauliflower and Ginger Curry – Aromatic curry with ginger and spices.
• Cauliflower and Onion Pakoras – Popular Indian fritters.
• Cauliflower and Peas Kootu – South Indian lentil and vegetable stew.
• Cauliflower and Potato Curry – Comforting curry with garam masala and cream.
• Cauliflower and Tomato Pulao – Vegetable rice with fragrant spices.
• Cauliflower and Peas Curry – Thick, spiced curry for everyday meals.
• Cauliflower and Lentil Dal Fry – Lentil curry with cauliflower florets.
• Cauliflower and Spinach Dal – Protein-rich dal with greens and veggies.
• Cauliflower and Potato Roast – Dry spiced roasted vegetables.
• Cauliflower and Cumin Seeds Sabzi – Simple dry stir fry with cumin.
• Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad – Light salad with lemon dressing.
• Cauliflower and Tomato Rasam – Spicy tangy South Indian soup.
• Cauliflower and Coconut Chutney – Delicious side for dosa or idli.
• Cauliflower and Potato Bharta – Mashed spiced vegetable side dish.
• Cauliflower and Mustard Seeds Stir Fry – Simple and quick dry vegetable.
• Cauliflower and Peas Curry – Mild curry with coconut milk.
• Cauliflower and Tomato Pachadi – South Indian yogurt-based side dish.
• Cauliflower and Potato Curry – Hearty curry with spices and tomatoes.
• Cauliflower and Spinach Stir Fry – Nutritious mixed vegetable sauté.
• Cauliflower and Tomato Sambar – Lentil stew with vegetables.
• Cauliflower and Peas Masala – Spiced curry with fresh herbs.

Explore these recipes to experience the wide range of Indian flavors incorporating cauliflower, from crispy snacks to creamy curries. If you enjoy Cauliflower 65, you’ll love experimenting with these diverse dishes.

Conclusion

Cauliflower 65 is a fantastic appetizer that showcases the magic of Indian spices and cooking techniques. Crispy, spicy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a vegetarian snack with a punch.

This recipe is easy to make at home and customizable based on your spice preferences. Pair it with your favorite chutneys or dips to elevate the experience.

Beyond Cauliflower 65, cauliflower’s role in Indian cuisine is vast and varied, as seen in the extensive list of 65 recipes we’ve shared. From hearty curries to light stir-fries, this humble vegetable adapts beautifully to countless preparations.

Don’t hesitate to try out these recipes to add more delicious, nutritious meals to your repertoire.

For more flavorful recipes, check out our Horse Cough Syrup Recipe for natural remedies, or indulge in the savory delights of Lamb Tenderloin Recipes. Happy cooking!

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