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Gobi Musallam Recipe

4.6 from 148 reviews

Gobi Musallam is a flavorful and rich Indian vegetarian dish featuring a whole cauliflower marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, then cooked in a luscious gravy made from aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes, and cashew nuts. This dish is perfect for festive occasions or special meals, offering a hearty yet elegant presentation with vibrant garnishes of onion rings, coriander, and green chilies.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1 head of cauliflower (Gobi)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (thick yogurt preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ bunch of coriander (fresh cilantro)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Gravy Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 medium green chili, chopped
  • 1 medium ripe tomato, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder (cayenne)
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
  • 1 tablespoon broken raw cashew nuts (optional)
  • 1 small handful fenugreek leaves (if available)

Garnishing Ingredients

  • 1 medium red onion, sliced in rings
  • 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
  • A few sliced green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon cashew nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Boil the whole cauliflower until tender but still firm enough to hold its shape, about 7-10 minutes depending on size. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin powder, turmeric powder, fresh coriander, and salt. Blitz until smooth and well combined.
  3. Marinate the Cauliflower: Coat the boiled cauliflower evenly with the yogurt marinade, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Wrap or cover the cauliflower and refrigerate for 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
  4. Prepare the Gravy Base: Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green chili, and broken cashew nuts, cooking for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Add coriander powder, red chili powder, and turmeric powder to the pan. Cook the mixture for a few minutes to roast the spices, then add chopped tomatoes. Continue cooking until the tomatoes break down and the mixture blends well.
  6. Liquidize the Gravy: Transfer the onion and tomato mixture to a blender and liquidize until smooth. Pour the blended gravy back into the pan, then stir in plain yogurt, garam masala powder, and fenugreek leaves if using. Simmer the gravy for 10 minutes to develop the flavors fully.
  7. Bake the Cauliflower: Place the marinated cauliflower in an oven-safe tray and pour the prepared gravy over it. Cover the tray tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced red onion rings, chopped coriander leaves, sliced green chilies, and cashew nuts. Serve hot with Indian bread or rice.

Notes

  • Boiling the cauliflower until just tender ensures it remains firm enough to hold its shape during marination and baking.
  • Marinating the cauliflower for 24 hours allows the yogurt and spices to infuse deeply, producing a more flavorful dish.
  • If fenugreek leaves are not available, you can omit them without significantly impacting the dish.
  • Adjust the green chilies and red chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
  • Using thick yogurt helps prevent the marinade from becoming too watery during baking.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Keywords: Gobi Musallam, stuffed cauliflower, Indian vegetarian dish, spiced yogurt marinade, baked cauliflower gravy, festive Indian recipe