Monday, November 27, 2006

The Amish and The CauliFlower


Jump to Recipe

So The Amish County was visited and enjoyed. The idyllic green farmlands, the quaint villages with equally quaint names like Bird-In-Hand, Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse (ahem !!), the buggy ride through the Amish Farms, the Dutch Farmers Market with their fresh produce and the jams & preserves was thoroughly enjoyable , more so with the lovely weather bestowed on us since Friday.

The little daughter was an angel, no throwing-up, no car seat blues, very co-operative during the entire trip, The parents were happy, The husband was happy, he got his own TV to watch while me watched chick-flicks with dear Momma (yeah I carried Movies as a backup plan for the Rains), The People who did business with the "Amish" as their USP were very very happy indeed, The Amish...I do not know.

Everything was fine except something that kept gnawing at the back of my head, that something called commercialization of the entire thing. I had gone there thinking there would be villages & farms and maybe a gift shop or two thrown in as is the norm but I was astounded by the bustling business that had built up around the whole thing and the malls that had sprung up to cater to the visitors.

Coming from a culture and a background where materialism is not the norm and simplicity is or at least was the way of life, I wasn't very amazed by the Amish way of living, though I am impressed now that being there bang in the middle of all those malls with brands screaming from BOSE to BASS they still adhere to their culture and lifestyle not perturbed by the "Amish" brand visitors are falling for.



All said and done, we had a nice break, I got lovely veggies and pickles & jams. I got a huge cauliflower so there I go and cook. I got this recipe of cauliflower called “Ada FulKopi” or “Adraki Gobi” or “Ginger Cauliflower” from my bengali recipe book by an author known as Bela De. My Ma too does this with a little variation, but the one I did yesterday was almost by the book. It is a very nice dish with ginger dominating the flavor and the taste is a little emphasizing the tartness of the tomato and the crunchiness of the cauliflower.

The BIG cauliflower :)


Ada FulKopi or Ginger CauliFlower


What You Need

Cauliflower ~ 1 cut into florets. I used half of the cauliflower shown above and cut the florets a little on the large size
Baby Carrots ~ about 10 of the small ones cut into halves
Green Peas ~ ½ a cup
Ginger ~ 1” chopped fine in juliennes

For Paste
Onion ~ 1 and ½ medium sized
Garlic ~ 2 big cloves
Ginger ~ 1 & 1/2”
Grind all of the above to a paste

For Puree
Tomato ~ 2 medium sized nice plump red tomatoes pureed. I did with skins and everything

For Phoron or Tempering
Elaichi or Cardamom ~ 2
Laung or Cloves ~ 2
TejPata or BayLeaves ~ 2
DarChini or Cardamom Sticks ~ about a 2" stick
GolMirch or Peppercorns ~ 10
Coarsely pound the above

Yogurt ~ 2/3 cup
Turmeric Powder
Red Chilli Powder (according to taste, I did not use any)
Salt

How I Do It

Cut the cauliflower into medium sized florets (not very small else they will turn mushy while cooking)
Chop the carrots
Heat Oil in Kadai/Frying Pan. Use Olive Oil if you prefer
Lightly fry the cauliflower (no deep frying, more like sauté them) florets till Golden. Tip: I always add Turmeric Powder to the hot oil and then add the cauliflower to prevent the oil from spluttering. This also makes the cauliflower golden with light frying. Also cover while frying.
Remove the florets and keep them in a bowl.
Grind the onion, ginger and garlic to a paste. Keep about 1 tbsp of the paste for frying, use the rest in the next step
Mix the yogurt with this paste and a little salt. Also add chilli powder if you want to the yogurt according to your spice level.
Marinade the cauliflower florets with the above marinade for about half an hour.


Heat Oil in Kadai/Frying Pan. You can use the same oil.
Add TejPata, Elaichi, Laung, DarChini, Gol Mirch as phoron or temper with this
Add the finely chopped ginger and fry a little
After frying the ginger for a little add about 1 tbsp of the onion/ginger/garlic paste and a little sugar
When the onion turns a light brown, add the carrots and peas
Saute for a little while

Add the cauliflower along with the marinade
Then cover and cook till the masala is cooked and coats the veggies uniformly. This in Bengali coking term is called “kashano

Add salt according to taste and add the tomato puree



Cover and cook till the veggies are done. They should be crunchy.
Add a little sugar if the taste is little sour to your liking
This has very little gravy so adjust that accordingly
Garnish with coriander leaves



You can have this "Ada FulKopi" with Roti, Paratha and even Rice (I love my Rice :)). This can be served as a dish when you have guests over and also for your weekday lunch or dinner.

Trivia: Mark Twain said " Cauliflower is nothing but a cabbage with a College Education"

40 comments:

  1. That cauliflower reminds me of the huge ones they used to sell on Eastern Bypass near 'Dhapar Math' - at dirt cheap rates. Much later we figured how contaminated with arsenic those might be.

    Anyway, was the cauliflower tasty ? I find most vegetable ingredients in the US to be highly unsatisfying in terms of taste.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love ur cauliflower recipe. Amish street names(intercourse) had prompted a spate of jokes in my house a couple of years back.i don't even want to remind my spouse about it now.Did u try their ice cream and pies?It is too good.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. The cauliflower recipe sounds delish and the pic looks very tempting.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bose to Bass - very telling phrase, Sandeepa. I love going to supermarkets/grocery stores when I travel - those pix were nice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. LOL..... i liked the way you explained your trip. :)
    Nice recipe as well..... :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sandeepa, looks like you had fun in Amish country visiting towns with names(???). Should put that on my places to visit. We have a store near my place where the Amish come to sell their wares. The place is always teaming with people. What I don't understand is when the veggies in the Grocery stores start to look pathetic the
    Lancaster Market has them fresh. They can't be growing them in Lancaster, PA during winter, do they must have some sort of exchange with their friends in Florida or a warmer place is my guess, curious to find out.

    Cauliflower recipe sounds tasty and tempting. Beautiful color with the peas and carrots and tomatoes

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wonderful write up! I have always respected the Amish way of life despite the commercialization in the recent times. Glad you enjoyed your trip, and your cauliflower recipe looks really good, very different from our Gujju style of making it.

    Regards,Trupti

    ReplyDelete
  8. We have been planning to visit the Amish village in PA for the past 7 years! Not happened yet! Went as far as Hershey once but that's it! We'll do it someday, I hope! :)
    The gobi curry looks very good, Sandeepa!

    ReplyDelete
  9. dear Sandeepa,
    its good that you and your family had anice trip ,I enjoyed every bit of it , and the recipe does sound interesting with yogurt in it ...
    hugs and smiles
    mantu

    ReplyDelete
  10. bongo,
    You speak like my Mom-inlaw !!! She too finds veggies here very unsatisfying but maybe because she's from the steel township near Kolkata where veggies are very very fresh.

    shaheen
    hey, please please share the jokes :)

    jayashree
    thanks, yeah we did have a good trip

    sra,
    ;-)
    yeah the farm market was really good

    indo
    yeah the Amish have a keen business sens it seems. And our buggy driver said there are millionaires among the Amish

    ReplyDelete
  11. Rooma,
    thanks :)

    Trupti,
    Hey what's the gujju way of making cauliflower. This is not the traditional way though, the traditional is more like what Mantu of SpiceandCurry has.

    Vani,
    This is just 40 mins from Hershey's. Actually we went to Hershey' World on Thursday not the Park only the Choc. World

    Mantu
    Tomader thanksgiving kemon katlo ?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wonderful photos and the dish is mouthwatering!

    We visited Amish place in Penn. when we visited Hershey Park. We enjoyed it a lot.

    Thanks Sandeepa.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is my staple diet. However, I dont use ginger, garlic or onions. I add the phoron and garam masala ingredients in oil then add the florets .. add peas when they are almost done .. then add turmeric, red chilli powder and yoghurt and then salt and a lil bit sugar for the authentic bong taste (without sugar never got that).. The cooking time is shorter and it is a little light and not rich if u add onions ginger and garlic

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've long since admired the Amish for their perseverance in preserving their culture and traditions despite so much commercialism beckoning at them from all corners.

    cauliflower with ginger sounds absolutely amazing - have marked this to try it out,....

    ReplyDelete
  15. asha,
    how was the beach

    kausum,
    yeah that's another way I guess. Bongs have zillion ways to cook up the same stuff. I do it the way you do sans the yogurt and no garam masala but panchpuran.

    @
    very well said about the Amish

    ReplyDelete
  16. looks delicious, love cauliflower.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Good to read about Amish..
    Cauliflower looks good too

    ReplyDelete
  18. The cauliflower recipe looks delicious. I liked reading your experience of the Amish community. I have never been to one so it was interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have been wanting to visit the Amish Community..wow the cauliflower is humongous! I am curious abt the taste

    ReplyDelete
  20. looks absolutely divini... cauliflower is my fav veggie... cant wait to give it a try... just taking quick peek at ur blog, so didn't read the article u have written about Amish street... but photoes r gr8... i love to do food shopping, wish i get a chance to do shopping there sometime:)
    cheers
    supriya

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lakshmi, Rp, Mandira, shankari, Supriya
    Thanks, your comments make my day :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. We went there last Sunday and guess what - everything was closed. The only thing I got to see was some of the horse carriages. Have to go back again. The cauliflower dish looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  23. 1. Very nice indees!

    2. A bit surprised that there is nomention of Mustard oil or the fish??

    3. Gur you do not have to smuggle, because any Malay store should have it.

    4. Amish vegetables might be from Holland, as Holland exports a lot to USA.

    From a Punjabi who had lived in Calcutta for 7 years, and currently living in Holland for the 30 years

    ReplyDelete
  24. Gini,
    You should go again, but summer might be a better idea, unless you are very close

    Anon,
    Thank You !!
    There is fish, look at my other posts :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi,

    And thanks.

    You do not seem to say anything over mustrad oil.

    I can't find the fish, where should I be looking?

    How I miss Moori or is it Muri and the pressed gram (what is it called?) at Victoria!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hey anon,
    I have to update my browse recipe section
    But you can check the archives
    Or search for "Chingri" or "Fish" in "Search this blog" on the right hand column

    ReplyDelete
  27. My search for an unique fulkopi recipe for my daughter's mukhebhaat led me here. Sounds wonderful and looks tasty too.

    As they say in the hills - Runglee Rungliot...thus far and no further!!

    Thanks
    Arghya

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Arghya,
    Lots of love for your daughter on her mukhebhaat, try the fulkopi and do let me know how it turned out.
    sandeepa

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks a lot for this one.Tried it.
    But this reminded me of a delicacy that maa used to cook often.
    Its the simpler "alu fulkopir torkari".
    No that I am experimenting with cooking, I am left in a lurch as to what foron she must have been using.
    Can you do a Alu Fulkopi torkari post.That ould be amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  30. ourav
    Which alu-fulkopi torkari are you talking about ? The dry one ? I use Kalonji & Green Chillies as a foron for that

    ReplyDelete
  31. My yogurt curdles the minute it hits the heat. How should I prevent that?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Beat the yogurt well, maybe add a little besan to it. Lower heat or take the cooking pan off heat. Now add the yogurt.
    Put back on heat and continue cooking at low heat

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi !.
    You re, I guess , perhaps curious to know how one can reach 2000 per day of income .
    There is no initial capital needed You may commense to receive yields with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

    AimTrust is what you thought of all the time
    The firm incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

    It is based in Panama with affiliates everywhere: In USA, Canada, Cyprus.
    Do you want to become a happy investor?
    That`s your chance That`s what you wish in the long run!

    I feel good, I began to get income with the help of this company,
    and I invite you to do the same. It`s all about how to select a proper companion who uses your money in a right way - that`s AimTrust!.
    I take now up to 2G every day, and my first deposit was 1 grand only!
    It`s easy to get involved , just click this link http://mapivyxiq.ibnsites.com/pavepyl.html
    and lucky you`re! Let`s take this option together to feel the smell of real money

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi !.
    You re, I guess , probably curious to know how one can collect a huge starting capital .
    There is no initial capital needed You may start earning with as small sum of money as 20-100 dollars.

    AimTrust is what you need
    The firm incorporates an offshore structure with advanced asset management technologies in production and delivery of pipes for oil and gas.

    It is based in Panama with affiliates everywhere: In USA, Canada, Cyprus.
    Do you want to become really rich in short time?
    That`s your choice That`s what you wish in the long run!

    I feel good, I started to take up income with the help of this company,
    and I invite you to do the same. If it gets down to choose a correct partner utilizes your funds in a right way - that`s the AimTrust!.
    I earn US$2,000 per day, and my first deposit was 1 grand only!
    It`s easy to start , just click this link http://ybigisokyt.lookseekpages.com/izawyqi.html
    and lucky you`re! Let`s take this option together to become rich

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi there!
    I would like to burn a theme at this forum. There is such a nicey, called HYIP, or High Yield Investment Program. It reminds of ponzy-like structure, but in rare cases one may happen to meet a company that really pays up to 2% daily not on invested money, but from real profits.

    For quite a long time, I make money with the help of these programs.
    I don't have problems with money now, but there are heights that must be conquered . I get now up to 2G a day , and I started with funny 500 bucks.
    Right now, I'm very close at catching at last a guaranteed variant to make a sharp rise . Turn to my web site to get additional info.

    [url=http://theblogmoney.com] Online investment blog[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  36. Good day, sun shines!
    There have were times of troubles when I didn't know about opportunities of getting high yields on investments. I was a dump and downright stupid person.
    I have never imagined that there weren't any need in large initial investment.
    Now, I'm happy and lucky , I begin take up real money.
    It's all about how to select a correct partner who utilizes your money in a right way - that is incorporate it in real business, and shares the income with me.

    You may ask, if there are such firms? I have to tell the truth, YES, there are. Please be informed of one of them:
    [url=http://theblogmoney.com] Online investment blog[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  37. Good day, sun shines!
    There have were times of troubles when I didn't know about opportunities of getting high yields on investments. I was a dump and downright stupid person.
    I have never imagined that there weren't any need in large starting capital.
    Now, I feel good, I started take up real income.
    It gets down to choose a proper partner who uses your money in a right way - that is incorporate it in real deals, parts and divides the income with me.

    You may ask, if there are such firms? I'm obliged to tell the truth, YES, there are. Please get to know about one of them:
    http://theinvestblog.com [url=http://theinvestblog.com]Online Investment Blog[/url]

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is perfect because I like to find different ways to prepare delicious dishes actually I know my mother will be happy wit this idea.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The other day my child wanted to make a project. As a Dad it was my duty to help him out in his project. But when he told me the topic, I was so moved by it, because your name popped in my mind immediately and within no time the project could be completed. Thank you for your articles!!! You are good.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Very interesting,great colors, will try tomorrow.
    About the Amish - in spite of they being termed as the Dutch - they are all from Germany ( The Deustche , for ease of pronunciation , has become Dutch ) - did not know this till we took the guided tour in the Amish Village.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your Comments. I hope you will be nice and not Spam.