Punjabi Aloo Gobi. Most Indians do not need any introduction to this eponymous dish made with Potatoes (called Aloo in Hindi) and Cauliflower (called Phool Gobi in Hindi). It exemplifies the saying “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
This was a regular curry made in our home but it gained special significance after we saw the movie Bend It Like Beckham. In this movie, the soccer-crazy Punjabi girl is regularly chastised for not knowing how to make even something as simple as Aloo Gobi. Now I cannot hear the phrase Aloo Gobi without thinking of the movie! 😀
I guess I never posted this recipe so far because it is one of those super simple dishes that we make so often that it loses any special significance. I thought of this dish this week because I am back on my diet and weight-loss trip. This normally means I eat loads and loads of sabzi with about 1 roti or a bit of rice. I was thinking of what to make for lunch on Friday, when I thought of this simple yet super tasty dish.
Aloo Gobi is one of those soul foods whose appeal cannot be explained to those who have not tasted it. On the face of it, this is a simple stir-fry. On the other hand, a well-made Aloo Gobi has the power to elevate the mood and satiate the soul.
Want to know why I am waxing so eloquent? Try this recipe.
Other Potato or Cauliflower Recipes
- Aloo Chutneywale | Baby Potatoes Cooked in Coriander Mint Chutney
- Cauliflower Fry | Phool Gobi ki Sabzi | Cauliflower Kura
- Phool Gobi ke Paranthe | Cauliflower Paratha
How to Make Punjabi Aloo Gobi
- The Preparation
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Separate 1/4 kg cauliflower into florets. Keep the florets relatively large so they retain their crunch when we cook them.
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Wash and set aside.
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Peel and dice 2 medium-sized potatoes (~125 gms) into 1/2″cubes.
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Peel and cut 2 medium-sized onions (~125 gm) into 1/4″ pieces.
- Crush 3 to 4 large cloves of garlic in a mortar and pestle. You need about 3/4 tsp of crushed garlic.
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To Make the Punjabi Aloo Gobi
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In a wok, heat 1 tbsp oil.
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Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and stir-fry till they change colour.
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Now, add the chopped onions and stir-fry till the onions are translucent.
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Add 1 tsp grated ginger and 3/4 tsp of crushed garlic, and stir-fry for 10 seconds.
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Next, add the potato pieces, and mix well.
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Cook covered for 5 minutes so that the potato softens a bit. I also pour some water on the lid to help the vegetables cook faster. Check on the potatoes after a couple of minutes.
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Now, add the 1/2 Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1/4 tsp turmeric, and some salt.
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Mix well.
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To this mix, add the cauliflower florets, and mix well.
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Cook covered till the potatoes and cauliflower are cooked. Mix the vegetables with a gentle hands every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower florets should retain their shape and be a touch crunchy. Once again, I ensure that there is some water on the lid to help the vegetables cook faster.
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Turn off the heat.
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Add 1 tsp kasuri methi and mix well.
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Cover and let it rest for a few minutes.
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Just before serving, garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander.
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Serve warm Aloo Gobi with hot rotis.
I had first posted this recipe in April 2016 and when I made it this week, I took the opportunity to update the pics in this post.
Recipe for Aloo Gobi | The Punjabi Cauliflower and Potato Stir-Fry
Punjabi Aloo Gobi | Potato and Cauliflower Stir-fry
Equipment
- 1 Large Wok with Lid
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mortar and Pestle (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1/4 Kg Cauliflower
- 2 Potatoes (Medium-sized, ~125 gm)
- 1 Onions (Medium-sized, ~125 gm)
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tsp Grated Ginger
- 3/4 tsp Crushed Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi
- 1 tbsp Oil
- Fresh Coriander for Garnish
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
- Separate 1/4 kg cauliflower into florets. Keep the florets relatively large so they retain their crunch when we cook them.
- Wash and set aside.
- Peel and dice 2 medium-sized potatoes (~125 gms) into 1/2″cubes.
- Peel and cut 2 medium-sized onions (~125 gm) into 1/4″ pieces.
- Crush 3 to 4 large cloves of garlic in a mortar and pestle. You need about 3/4 tsp of crushed garlic.
- In a wok, heat 1 tbsp oil.
- Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and stir-fry till they change colour.
- Now, add the chopped onions, and stir-fry till the onions are translucent.
- Add 1 tsp grated ginger and 3/4 tsp of crushed garlic, and stir-fry for 10 seconds.
- Next, add the potato pieces, and mix well.
- Cook covered for 5 minutes so that the potato softens a bit. I also pour some water on the lid to help the vegetables cook faster. Check on the potatoes.
- Now, add the 1/2 Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1/4 tsp turmeric, and some salt. Mix well.
- To this mix, add the cauliflower florets, and mix well.
- Cook covered till the potatoes and cauliflower are cooked. Mix the vegetables with a gentle hands every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower florets should retain their shape and be a touch crunchy. Once again, I ensure that there is some water on the lid to help the vegetables cook faster.
- Turn off the heat.
- Add 1 tbsp kasuri methi and mix well.
- Keep the Aloo Gobi covered for a few minutes.
- Just before serving, garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander.
- Serve warm Aloo Gobi with hot rotis or as a side for Dal Rice.
Liz says
Cauliflower and potato is a great combination. I really enjoy the curry!
Elaine @ foodbod says
Love it!!! Thank you for this, I’ll be using the recipe very soon!
Aruna says
I look forward to hearing how it turns out for you. 🙂
sarithakumbakkara says
Yummy stuff!
cookingwithauntjuju.com says
A lot of ingredients and maybe a little work but I bet this recipe is worth it. Cauliflower especially is a favorite and I am always looking for ways to try it 🙂
Loretta says
Beautiful dish, my husband’s favorite. I could devour a bowl like this with chapatis and be happy 🙂
swapnakarthik says
This recipe looks so simple but amazing !!!
Julie is Hostess At Heart says
This just proves that you can watch your weight and still eat amazing dishes!
MyCulinarySaga says
Simple but turns out sooo delicious each time 🙂
Kushlani says
There is no mention of when to add salt.
Aruna says
I updated the instructions. Thank you for pointing out the oversight.