Kopi Chechki (Stir-fried Cauliflower and vegetables)

This stir-fry is my mother-in law’s specialty. Although it may seem like just another stir-fry, it isn’t. You have to make sure that the cauliflower is cooked through and yet it should hold its shape. If it is overcooked, it will become too soft and break. You should be able to see all the vegetables in their proper texture and shapes. I think Debarshi’s whole love of cauliflower is because of this amazing stir-fry. I may not cook like his mom but re-creating this recipe is sure fun. Now always use mustard oil to cook Bengali dishes because only it can create that authentic flavor. Cauliflower anyway tastes great in any dish (if cooked properly). This dish is best served with Luchi. However, it also goes very well with plain Paratha or even roti. The trick while cooking this dish is to maintain high heat so that all the vegetables get a nice sear and cook at the same time.

Ingredients: 

• Cauliflower - 2 cups, cut into 1 inch florets 
• Potato - 1 cup, cut into medium cubes
• Eggplant - 1 ½ cups, cut into medium cubes
• Green chilies - 2, split in halves
• Turmeric powder - ½ teaspoon
• Mustard Oil -  2 tablespoons
• Salt - ½ teaspoon
• Sugar - ½ teaspoon
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Peas - ½ cup

Directions: 

• 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 Green Chilis.
• After a few seconds, add the Cauliflower, Potato and Eggplant in it. Tip: If the oil jumps, add a little turmeric in it and mix well.
• Fry till the vegetables are golden in color then add the Turmeric Powder, Sugar and Salt and mix well.
• Add the Tomato and Peas and mix well.
• Cook uncovered on high heat till the potatoes are cooked through. Check by mashing a piece of potato with your spatula. Check the Cauliflower by breaking a floret in half, if they are cooked then turn off the heat. 
• Serve hot with Luchi or Paratha.

 

Love Cauliflower? Try these dishes as well:

• Panch Bhaja (Crispy Deep Fried Vegetables)
• Alu Kopir Torkari (Potatoes with Cauliflower Stir Fry/ Curry)
• Kopi Alur Chochchori (Bengali recipe: Stir fried Cauliflower with Potatoes)