Pan Roasted Cauliflower and Creek Visit

After the non-stop rains of last week the weekend was beautiful with no humidity and a slight breeze. We were curious to check out the water levels in the creek which was very low during the late winter and early spring. Took a slow walk to the creek. The rains had surely helped, the water was gushing along and the path had tall grass swaying in the wind. Our plans was to fly the kite in the meadow so we had brought along the kite but no camera and had to make do with DH's cell phone camera.

Creek


Serene and Peaceful

As we were walking along the creek, we came by a fallen tree, probably lying there for a few years now. The tree provided a pathway to the island in the center of the creek with a lot of pebbles and smooth stones which the kids could not resist. DD,DD2 and DD's friend also had come along. DH made the climb across, which means DD would most definitely follow and you know the routine. Everyone but me made it across and came back armed with smooth stones and pebbles and planning to return soon.

Making it across

We were of course extremely careful and I could help but reminiscence what our reaction would have been if we came across something like this when we were kids. Most definitely an adult would not have been involved and the rare chance an adult was around and we were stopped from doing something we would have gone there again without an adult and tried it out. Where has the spirit of adventure gone from kids these days? We(by which I mean parents) have probably driven them out kids with our fear of everything and anything. We read and watch and listen to the most obscure dangers and imagine them to be lurking in every corner. The more educated the parent the more restrictions that are placed on the children what with the availability of repeated replay something happening in a far away continent would induce a whole host of restrictions for the kids. We of course do not stop to think of the damage that these additional restrictions wreak on our children. But I digress.

Ah! Nature!

Cauliflower is one vegetable that does not induce groans or moans and is enjoyed by everyone if (a big If) if prepared the right way. The only complaint I would hear of it is when it is cooked to mush. If the cauliflower is dry or crunchy it is relished by all. Srivalli had posted this Dry Spiced Cauliflower recipe on her lunch box series which I wanted to try. The addition of powdered peanuts was the speciality here but I did not have any so added powdered dhalia
instead.

Pan Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
1. 1 head of cauliflower - florets separated into desired size and washed and drained completely
2. 1/2 Medium sized Red onion chopped
3. 2 cloves garlic minced
4. 1/2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
5. 1 tsp turmeric powder
6. 1/2 tbsp coriander powder
7. 1 tsp cumin powder
8. 1 tbsp powdered dhalia/roasted channa dal (pottukadali)
9. salt to taste
10. seasonings: cumin,mustard and curry leaves
11. 1 tsp oil

Method
1. Heat oil in a roasting pan and add the seasonings.
2. Saute the onion and garlic till translucent.
3. Add the chili,turmeric,coriander and cumin powders and give a good stir
4. Now add the cauliflower and salt, give a good toss, close the lid and cook for 10 minutes
5. Remove the lid and if there is any moisture let it cook on high heat till all the water evaporates.
6. Add the dhalia powder and mix well to coat all the florets.