Tandoori Cauliflower (Gobi Tikka)
User Reviews
4.9
Tandoori Cauliflower (Gobi Tikka)
Description
This Tandoori Cauliflower recipe uses a thick-yogurt-based marinade enriched with gram flour (besan) to help the spices adhere to the cauliflower better. The marinade includes ginger and garlic pastes along with lemon juice and a blend of spices like garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, and optional chaat masala, cumin powder, ajwain seeds, and dried fenugreek leaves. The cauliflower is cut into 1-inch pieces, coated thoroughly, and left to absorb the marinade flavors.
The cooking process can be done in an air fryer or oven. In the air fryer, the florets are brushed with oil and cooked at 360°F for about 18 minutes, shaken halfway to ensure even cooking. Oven roasting involves baking at 400°F followed by broiling for a short period to develop a slight char. This yields a tender yet slightly crisp cauliflower with a vivid spice coating and a mild to medium heat level.
Tandoori Cauliflower makes a flavorful vegetarian appetizer or side dish. It can be garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro to add brightness. The marinade's spice level can be reduced by omitting or lowering the chili powder and garam masala.
Substitutions like all-purpose or rice flour can replace gram flour if unavailable. Skipping oil during cooking is possible for an oil-free version, though oil helps with roasting and color development.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower Gobi
- neutral cooking oil for brushing, generic cooking oil
- lime to garnish, wedges
- cilantro chopped, to garnish, leaves
For the marinade
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or thick yogurt
- 1 tablespoon gram flour optional, aka besan
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder mild, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala optional
- 1 tablespoon fenugreek leaves optional, dried, aka Kasoori Methi
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder optional, aka Jeera powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ajwain seeds optional, aka carom seeds
Instructions
- Rinse the cauliflower under tap water and wipe it dry. Cut and discard the stem. Then cut the cauliflower into 1 inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients for the marinade to get a smooth paste like consistency.
- Add the cauliflower florets and mix well so they get coated with the marinade.
- (optional) If you like, you can thread the cauliflowers into skewers.
Air Fryer Method
- Transfer the cauliflower florets to the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer. Cook in multiple batches if needed.Brush with oil and bake at 360°F (or 180℃) for 18 mins. Shake in between at 10 minutes. (Note: Check after 16 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed)
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F/ 200°C. Place the cauliflower florets in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them in a single layer. Brush or spray with oil.Roast the tandoori gobi for 18-20 minutes. Now set the oven to “broil” and cook for 3 more minutes.
Serve
- When done, remove the roasted tandoori cauliflower to a serving platter. Garnish with lime wedges and onion rings. Enjoy with chutney as an appetizer or as a side dish.
Notes
- Adjust spiciness by reducing or skipping Kashmiri red chili powder and/or garam masala.
- Gram flour can be substituted with all-purpose or rice flour to help the marinade stick.
- Oil can be omitted for an oil-free version; the flavor remains but roasting results differ.
- Kashmiri red chili powder can be replaced with paprika for milder color and heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 77 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 77kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Trans Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 644mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 521mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 157IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 70mg | 78% |
| Calcium | 71mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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