Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time to gather with family and friends, fill our homes with glowing diyas, and savor the flavors of the season. This year, add a special touch to your celebration at Leela Indian Food Bar with our mouth-watering Lasooni Cauliflower.
Coated in a rich, garlicky marinade and spiced to perfection, this dish is crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with authentic Indian flavors. Perfect for both vegetarians and meat-lovers, it’s the ideal appetizer to bring everyone together.
Celebrate Diwali with us at Leela Indian Food Bar, where every dish is made to spread joy, warmth, and the spirit of the festival. Happy Diwali!
The Magic of Sizzling Spices
The secret to Lasooni Cauliflower lies in its spice marinade. A traditional marinade uses a mix of yogurt and Indian spices to create a tangy, smoky flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of cauliflower. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this dish irresistible:
- Cauliflower: The star of the show, cauliflower’s neutral flavor makes it the perfect canvas for tandoori spices. When roasted, it develops a slightly nutty taste and crispy edges.
- Greek Yogurt: This forms the base of the marinade, tenderizing the cauliflower and helping the spices stick. It also adds a tangy creaminess.
- Tandoori Masala: A blend of spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and paprika gives the dish its signature smoky flavor and vibrant red color.
- Ginger & Garlic: These aromatic staples provide a strong, flavorful foundation.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a tangy kick that balances the richness of the spices.
- Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric also brings a beautiful golden hue to the dish.
- Red Chili Powder: Optional for those who love a little heat!
Lasooni Cauliflower Recipe:
Reserve your table now for an unforgettable dining experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into large florets
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 1 tsp each minced ginger and garlic)
- 1 tbsp Tandoori Masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika (or Kashmiri red chili powder for color)
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, all the spices (Tandoori Masala, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, red chili powder), lemon juice, oil, and salt. Mix well until you have a smooth, vibrant orange marinade.
2. Marinate the Cauliflower:
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl, tossing them in the marinade until each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. For best results, marinate for a few hours or overnight.
3. Roast the Cauliflower:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread the marinated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the sheet.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning the cauliflower halfway through, until it’s tender and golden brown with crispy edges. If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can also grill the cauliflower on a barbecue for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cauliflower is beautifully roasted, remove it from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for a tangy finish.
Why Lasooni Cauliflower is Perfect for Diwali
This dish is not only visually striking with its golden-orange color and charred edges, but it also serves as an excellent replacement for traditional side dishes. Adding a worldwide spin to your Diwali dinner, this is a fantastic choice for those wanting to incorporate vegetarian or vegan options into their holiday feast.
Plus, Lasooni Cauliflower is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course for those wanting to skip the turkey. Its spicy and smoky flavors pair well with other Diwali classics like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
Fun Twist: Cauliflower “Steak” Option
For a more dramatic presentation, you can turn this recipe into a Lasooni Cauliflower Steak. Instead of cutting the cauliflower into florets, slice the head into thick “steaks,” about 1-1.5 inches thick. Follow the same marinade and cooking instructions, but adjust the roasting time to 35-40 minutes, ensuring the steaks are tender in the center and crispy on the edges.
The cauliflower steak version looks beautiful on a platter and makes for a unique, plant-based main dish.
Spice Up Your Diwali with Lasooni Cauliflower!
If you’re looking to add an exciting, flavorful twist to your Diwali feast, Lasooni Cauliflower is the way to go. The bold, aromatic spices and crispy roasted cauliflower will wow your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.
Ready to try this fusion dish for your next holiday gathering? Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or an intimate meal, Leela’s signature Lasooni Cauliflower brings a splash of Indian flavor to your table.
Make sure to add this to your holiday menu and surprise everyone with a new favorite! Order online from Leela Indian Food Bar or make a reservation today to explore more Indian-inspired dishes perfect for the season.
Reserve your table now for an unforgettable dining experience!
Savor Authentic Flavors at Leela Indian Food Bar, Dundas
We at Leela Indian Food Bar Dundas are proud to have introduced the savory and varied tastes of Indian food to the center of Dundas Street. As a top-rated Indian restaurant in Dundas, we use the freshest ingredients, and a traditional spice blend perfectly encapsulates India to create our dishes. From our signature Chicken Kadhai to our creamy butter chicken, every item on our menu is thoughtfully prepared to give you a genuine taste of Indian culinary tradition.
Our Leela Indian Food Bar menu is made to satisfy every palate, whether for smokey tandoori delights, aromatic biryanis, spicy curries or authentic Indian desserts. Pair your meal with our freshly baked naan or a chilled glass of lassi or falooda, and savor a memorable eating experience that highlights the vivid flavors of Dundas Indian food. We invite food enthusiasts and families to explore our inviting space and savor authentic Indian cuisine.
