Broccoli and Cauliflower Coated With Spiced Chickpea Flour

This is daughter #2's favorite way to eat cruciferous vegetables! The barest minimum of water is used to help retain the maximum nutrients. This is not a "pretty" dish, the vegetables turn a sort of smeary-beige looking, but the flavor is there. We like this wrapped in aloo parathas with steamed brown basmati on the side. Vary the quantity of red pepper flakes and salt to your tastes, we adjust them depending on who's coming to dinner! This is a variation of a recipe from the 30 - Minute Vegetarian Indian Cookbook, one of our favorite resources.

• Ready In: 27 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  sunflower oil or 2  tablespoons canola oil or 2  tablespoons lite olive oil
• 4  garlic cloves, chopped
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 2 1⁄2 cups  bite sized cauliflower florets
• 2 1⁄2 cups  bite sized broccoli florets
• 1  tablespoon besan (chickpea flour)
• 1  teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1  teaspoon ground coriander

Directions

1. Mix together the besan, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garam masala, cumin, coriander and red pepper flakes, set aside.
2. Heat the oil over a low flame and saute the garlic until soft but not brown.
3. Add the cauliflower and broccoli and increase the heat a bit. Saute for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to brown.
4. Reduce the heat back to low and sprinkle on the reserved spice blend. Cover the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes. Don't peak! This step will release the moisture from the vegetables, you don't want to lose it.
5. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of water on the vegetables and toss around a little until they look coated with the besan/spice mix. Resist the temptation to add too much water.
6. Cover the pan as quickly as possible and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender but firm, 2-3 minutes. This is the point at which I add in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt or not, depending on who is home for dinner.