I am always on the lookout for interesting starters to serve my vegetarian guests. A few weeks back we had a evening party at our place where I had opted for the services of a caterer to do a few vegetarian dishes for me. I was blown away by the Malai Broccoli they made which was appreciated by guests and hosts alike. It was on my mind to make this dish at home and share the recipe with all of you. Essentially this recipe is Broccoli florets marinated in a mix of spices, hung yoghurt and cream. This forms the base. Most houses don’t use a tandoor, neither do I. So I have cooked this in an oven. But one can also do this in a Pan over a flame or even in an Air Fryer. The Broccoli is the protagonist in this dish but one can also add some more veggies i.e. cauliflower, bell peppers or tofu. This is a relatively easy and quick cook dish. The key is preparing the marinade which if done well makes it a delicious and healthy dish. The Malai broccoli is ideal for starters before a meal and can be paired with chutney or a dip. If you are a Vegan, feel free to replace the dairy products used with non-dairy substitutes. So go ahead and try this healthy vegetarian dish this summer.
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Tasty Greens
Ingredients
- 1medium to large Broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 Tbsp Ginger- Garlic paste
- 1/2 cup hung Curd or Greek Yogurt
- 2 Tbsp grated Cheese (processed or Mozzarella)
- 3 Tbsp heavy Cream (Malai)
- 2 Tbsp Cream Cheese (Optional)
- 1/2 Tsp Green Chilli paste
- ½ Tsp Cumin powder
- 1/2 Tsp Garam Masala powder
- ½ Tsp Red Chili Flakes
- 1 Tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/2 Tsp Cardamom powder
- 2 Tbsp Oil or melted Butter
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into florets, by trimming off the thick stem and chopping them into halves or quarters, depending on the desired size.
- Wash the florets and drain.
- Blanch them in boiling water for 40-60 seconds, before draining the florets and soaking them immediately in ice cold water. Drain after a short while and pat dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix and combine well the rest of the ingredients using a whisker or a large spoon/spatula.
- Add the florets and mix to cover each of them properly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In the meantime line your baking tray with parchment paper or butter paper. Pre-heat your oven to a 180°C 360°F.
- Place the florets on the baking tray in one layer and spray some oil or brush them with some melted butter.
- Bake in the oven in 180°C or 360°F for 12-15 minutes or until edges are brown and broccoli florets turn tender crisp. Please Remember to Flip the florets half way through the cooking time. You may also Air Fry the marinated broccoli florets for 10-12 minutes at 200°C or 390°F.
- Remove and serve immediately. You may sprinkle some chaat masala or gently squeeze some lime over your Broccoli Malai Tikkas. Can accompanied with chutneys or dips of your choice.
Notes
- If you are a Vegan, feel free to Replace the cream cheese, hung curd, processed cheese and heavy cream with Non Dairy Substitutes.
- The Broccoli is the protagonist in this dish but one can also add some more veggies i.e. cauliflower, bell peppers or tofu.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
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