Kopi Alur Chochchori (Bengali recipe: Stir fried Cauliflower with Potatoes)

Recipe Courtesy: Mamma

Kopi Alur Chochchori is one of the easiest and delicious stir fries you will ever learn. My mom has tons of vegetarian recipes which she prepares during Durga puja and other fasting days. A simple cauliflower and potato stir fry may sound like nothing special, but it is sheer divine for vegetable lovers. If you have never had a complete Bengali vegetarian menu before you wont know what all you are missing. These veg dishes are prepared with very less oil and spices and they go very well with Luchi or Paratha. You can also serve the Kopi Alur Chochchori with hot steamed rice and Dal. Plus, I think it is always good to know some quick vegetarian dishes because you don’t always have the time or the desire to cook heavy non vegetarian curries. The good thing is, since cauliflower is low on carbs, you can also enjoy this on Keto diet. Just skip the potatoes and enjoy the Chochchori with a cheese naan.

Growing up, this Chochchori was one of my favorites during winter months. These days of course you can enjoy anything at any time but it wasn’t like this when we were kids. Cauliflower used to be a winter vegetable and you can always tell its fresh taste and fragrance in the dish. After winters, we used to wait for several months till we can enjoy this dish again. A ladle full of this Chochchori with a hot crispy Paratha and a slice of my favorite pickle still brings a big smile on my face. 

This dish is very different from our North Indian Alu Gobhi (Curried Potatoes with Cauliflower) because of the addition of Panch Fhoron which is a combination of five whole spices (Fenugreek Seed, Nigella Seed, Cumin Seed, Black Mustard Seed and Fennel Seed). I think what I love most about this dish is its pure simplicity. You can obviously create a delicious dish using tons of ingredients but if you can create something heavenly using a handful then that’s pure talent.

Try to find fresh cauliflower and green chilies for this Chochchori because they will bring the best flavors. I have seen my mom cut potatoes in different ways for different dishes but alas I do not have that skill set. However, it does not affect my enthusiasm to cook and share my favorite dishes and they do taste terrific irrespective of the shape of the potatoes. Believe me there is nothing more satisfying than a homemade hand me down dish so do give this a try.

Ingredients: 

• Cauliflower- ½ of medium sized cauliflower, cut into 1 inch thin florets 
• Potato – 2, medium 
• Panch Fhoron – 1 teaspoon
• Green chilies – 2, split in halves
• Turmeric powder: ½ teaspoon
• Mustard Oil -  2 tablespoons
• Salt - ½ teaspoon

Directions: 

• Cut the Potatoes in half lengthwise and then cut them in thin long pieces shaped like the alphabet ‘D’. Alternatively, you can cut them in cubes or whatever shape you feel easy.
• Wash them and pat them dry with a paper towel
• Heat a wok on high heat.
• Add the Oil in it and wait for a few seconds.
• When the oil begins to smoke, turn down the heat to medium and temper the Oil with Panch Fhoron and Green Chilis.
• After a few seconds, add the Potatoes in it. 
• Fry till the potatoes are golden in color. Then add the Cauliflower florets.
• Fry the cauliflower for a few minutes when they start looking a bit fried and develop a golden color, add the Turmeric Powder and Salt and mix well.
• Turn down the heat to low and cover and cook for ten minutes. 
• Mash a piece of potato with your spatula and break a cauliflower floret in half, if they are cooked then turn off the heat. Kopi Alur Chochchori is ready to be served. If not continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes.
• Serve hot with Luchi or Paratha or Rice, Dal, onion rings and pickles.

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