Cauliflower And Lima Bean Yellow Curry
Phool Gobhi aur Lima Beans ki Sabji
Shalini Priyadarshini
I created this recipe one day as I was looking for something to cook and my fridge was nearly empty. I had a cauliflower a few limes, tomatoes and onions (these I always have) in the fridge. There were some baby Lima beans in the freezer and a can of coconut juice on the larder shelf. I also had some basil growing in a pot. All these things were used in this recipe and it came out really great! I have made it a few times since then and it is definitely a hit. It really tastes very much like a light version of the Thai curry.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cup cauliflower, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup frozen baby lima beans, thawed (tinned can be used)
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed or grated
2 small green chillies, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 tsp. cumin powder
1 tsp. turmeric powder
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro or coriander leaves (optional)
Juice of 1/2 a lime or lemon
1 can coconut juice with small chunks*
1/2 tsp. red chilli powder
1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. Salt
10 big fresh whole basil (tulsi) leaves
*Coconut juice is a clear juice that comes in a pop-up soda can. It can be purchased at oriental food stores. It is almost fat free, unlike coconut milk, but tastes great in a curry.
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium sized pan.
Add chopped onions, garlic and green chillies. Fry until onions are soft.
Add cumin and turmeric powders and fry for another half a minute.
Add chopped tomatoes and fry on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes.
Add the cauliflower, Lima beans, coconut juice, lime juice, chilli powder, salt, chopped cilantro and half the basil leaves.
Bring it to a boil on high heat. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the cauliflower and Lma beans are really tender.
Adjust salt and chillies.
Garnish with the remaining whole basil leaves and serve hot with warm, freshly steamed rice.
Goes well with Chapatti or Plain Paratha too.
Notes
Lima beans could be substituted with tinned or frozen flat beans or peas or green chanas (chick peas) or sem (green bean) seeds. 'Sem' seeds will give a better flavour. Coconut juice will be hard to find in India. They could use water from a fresh green coconut.
Variation Tofu: This recipe works really great with small cubes (1/2") of firm tofu in place of cauliflower. It has more protein too.
