Indo Chinese Crispy Cauliflower/ Dry Gopi

Gopi/ Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors easily and wins the hearts of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. This fool proof and enticing Indo Chinese crispy Cauliflower recipe has mild chinese flavor which accentuates the Indian flavors with no artificial food coloring. This tasty and crunchy cauliflower florets can be served as a starter/ appetizer or an evening snack. 

Indo Chinese crispy cauliflower recipe is similar to the South Indian Gopi 65 however with less indian spices and lighter flour coating. Most importantly with all the unhealthy refined oil, we switched completely to coconut, sesame and olive oil for our daily intake/ home cooking. This Indo Chinese crispy cauliflower is fried in organic coconut oil. 

If I decide to prepare in large quantity say for potluck or a large party I always avoided the frying part being large quantity. Prefer to bake and broil the marinated cauliflower florets in the oven. In such case you may marinate it the day before and refrigerate. Once baked and broiled before serving just saute the green chillies and garlic in oil and sprinkle it on the crispy cauliflower. I prepared 5 large cauliflower for my better half's office potluck and this recipe is highly requested. 

Supposing you are a non-vegetarian try the same recipe with small piece of chicken for the crispy chilly chicken and you sure will love it. 

PREP TIME

 10mins

COOK TIME

10 mins

Brine TIME

30 mins

Category: Appetizer/ Starter, Snack 

Cuisine: Indo-Chinese/ Indian Chinese
Level: Easy

Serves: 5

INGREDIENTS

1. Cauliflower - 1 large head (cut into florets)
2. All purpose flour/ Maida - 3 tablespoons 
3. Rice flour - 2 tablespoons
4. Corn flour- 2 tablespoons
5. Chilly powder - 1 teaspoon
6. Turmeric - 1/4 teaspoon
7. Salt to taste (used pink himalayan salt)
8. Soya sauce - 1 tablespoon
9. Rice vinegar - 1/2 tablespoon
10. Ginger - 2 (1 inch pieces)
11. Garlic - 4-5 cloves
12. Beetroot - 2 inch piece 
13. Coconut oil for frying (used organic cold pressed)
14. Green Chilly - 2 -3 nos (slit in half lengthwise)
15. Garlic - 2 cloves (thinly sliced)
16. Water as required for grinding

Nutrition Facts
Servings 5.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 262
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9 g	15 %
Saturated Fat 8 g	41 %
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 1 mg	0 %
Sodium 364 mg	15 %
Potassium 577mg	16 %
Total Carbohydrate 37g	12 %
Dietary Fiber 5 g	21 %
Sugars 10 g
Protein 6 g	13 %
Vitamin A	1 %
Vitamin C	132%
Calcium	6 %
Iron	12 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.

DIRECTIONS

1. Immerse the cauliflower florets in boiling water and  remove immediately to drain completely on a dry towel. 

2.  In a blender, add the ginger, garlic and beetroot pieces and make it to a fine paste with 1-2 tablespoons of water if required.

3. In a large container add the all-purpose flour, rice flour, corn flour, chilly powder, turmeric, beetroot and ginger garlic paste, salt to taste, soya sauce and vinegar. Mix well using a whisk or a fork.

4. Now add the cauliflower florets to the above and coat them evenly. Marinate for 30 mins or overnight depending on the time available.

5. In a kadai or pan, add the oil of your choice and heat in medium high. Once heated, carefully drop the florets one by one making sure you do not crowd the pan. Allow the florets to fry for 2-3 mins on each side. Once crispy remove and set aside.

6. In the same pan with just 1 teaspoon of oil, add the green chillies and garlic slices, saute for 2 mins only till the aroma is released. Sprinkle it on the fried cauliflower and serve immediately. 

NOTES AND TIPS

1. When you prepare the marinate make sure it is thick enough to coat the florets well. If runny add a teaspoon of all-purpose flour. If too thick, you may drizzle some water.  

2. Coconut oil is healthier version of oil that results in a tasty dish.