Gobi Mutter Masala / Cauliflowe Peas Curry (With Cashew nut N Poppy Seeds)

            Today's recipe is Gobi Mutter Masala, a rich and creamy curry cooked with cashew nuts and poppy seeds Paste. For a change, this time i steamed and baked the cauliflower florets and then added it to the curry. This method makes the cauliflower firm and much more tasty. And also i used Dry red chilli instead of chilli powder. The Gobi Mutter curry / masala was so creamy and yummy which suits well with Naan / Rotis / Pulav etc. I served with Rotis. Friday Dinner was a delightful dinner for us. This curry is perfect for Potluck Party or any get together to impress the guests with rich and flavorful recipe.Now to the recipe,

Ingredients

1. Cauliflower florets   1 and 1/ 2 cups
2. Peas     1/2 cup
3. Onion    1 Medium(finely chopped)
4. Tomato    2 no.s(medium) Diced
5. Dry Red Chillies     4-5 no.s
6. Cashew nut     8-10 no.s
7. Poppy Seeds    1 tsp
8. Garlic      4 big cloves or 7-8 small 
9. Ginger     2" piece 
10. Cumin seeds      1/2 tsp
11. Garam Masala    1 tsp
12. Kasoori Methi / Dried Methi leaves     1 and 1/2 tsp
13. Salt    to taste
14. Oil    2 tsp + 1 tbsp
15. Olive Oil    2 tsp
16. Cilantro     few finely chopped

Method

• Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit'
• Wash the cauliflower florets and steam it for 3-4 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes and drain completely and keep aside.

• Take a oven safe dish, add the steamed cauliflower florets, drizzle olive oil, sprinkle little salt and any spices(i used cajun hot seasoning) mix well and Bake it for 12 - 15 minutes or till it turns crisp n moisture dried up.

• Soak  Cashew nuts and poppy seeds in a hot water for 15 minutes .

• Heat 2 tsp oil in a kadai/pan, add dry red chillies ginger and garlic and fry them lightly.
• Then add finely chopped onions and saute till it turns translucent.

• After that add, diced tomatoes and saute till the tomatoes turns soft n mushy.

• Allow the onion - tomato mixture to cool completely and then grind it to a smooth paste along with soaked cashew n poppy seeds. (use very little water to grind them).

• Now heat 1 tbsp oil in a non stick vessel, add cumin seeds and allow it to splutter then add the ground paste.
• Turn the heat to medium and let the ground paste cook in medium heat for 5 minutes.

• Then add garam masala powder and again cook for 3 minutes or till raw smell leaves.

• After that add 1/2 cup of peas (fresh or frozen) and 1/2 cup of water and cook covered for 2 minutes.

• Now add the baked cauliflower florets and kasoori methi , simmer for 2-3 minutes .

• Lastly add some finely chopped cilantro and turn off the stove.
• That's it...Creamy and Rich Gobi Mutter Masala is ready to serve. Serve Hot with any Indian Flat breads / Pulao.

Notes:
Instead of red chillies you can also add 1-2 tsp chilli powder or kashmiri red chilli powder and follow the same method.
Lastly you can also add 1-2 tbsp of heavy cream for more rich and creamy taste.
Instead of cauliflower you can also add paneer mutter , Aloo mutter , aloo gobi or any desired veg and Enjoy !!!