Discover the Zesty Delight of Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower
Welcome to my kitchen, where colors, flavors, and aromas come together in perfect harmony. Today, I want to share with you an incredibly easy and delicious recipe that will add a Middle Eastern twist to your everyday meals: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower, also known as Middle Eastern Crunch.
Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that often gets overlooked in our daily cooking routine. However, this recipe will show you just how versatile it can be. By combining cauliflower florets with turmeric and other Middle Eastern spices, we’ll create a dish that will not only taste amazing but also offer numerous health benefits.
This dish is something I grew up eating in Israel, where pickled vegetables are a staple on many dinner tables. With its vibrant yellow color and tangy flavor, turmeric pickled cauliflower is the perfect addition to salads, sandwiches, or even eaten as a snack.
Not only is this recipe delicious but it’s also quick and easy to make. It calls for simple ingredients you likely have on hand, making this cauliflower pickle recipe perfect for busy weeknights or throwing together last minute for a gathering with friends.
In the next sections of the article, I will walk you through each step of the process and share some tips along the way to ensure your results are perfect every time. So grab your apron and let’s get started on creating some Middle Eastern Crunch Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of pickled vegetables? If your answer is yes, then you are in for a treat with this Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower Recipe. But even if you’re not a pickling aficionado, this recipe might make you one. Trust me; it’s going to be worth it.
So, what makes this recipe so special? First and foremost, turmeric. Oh, the wonders of turmeric! We all know it for its immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, but did you know that it can give your pickled cauliflower a gorgeous yellow hue and vibrant earthy flavor?
And that’s not all! Our turmeric pickling brine also includes saffron, cinnamon, bay leaf, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fresh ginger, garlic cloves, and citrus juice. These ingredients bring a whole new dimension to the pickle game.
Plus, this recipe uses honey instead of regular sugar to sweeten the brine lightly. The honey helps to balance the flavors and takes away the harshness of white vinegar.
Lastly, the crunch. The texture of cauliflower florets after they’ve been pickled is just divine – not too crunchy but enough to make you reach for another bite every time. And this recipe has an extra crunch thanks to mustard seeds sprinkled over the top before pickling.
All in all, this recipe is unique and unforgettable; that’s why you’ll love it. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal or snack on-the-go. So gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower Recipe:
Cauliflower and Pickling Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower cut into small florets
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp saffron
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup white vinegar (depending on how tart you like your pickles)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp salt
Aromatics
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- Zest of 1 small orange and 1 lime (optional)
Pickling Spices
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
Vegetables for Brine (Optional)
- 1 red onion, peeled and cut in half inch thick slices
This ingredient list includes all the components necessary for making a deliciously tangy Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower. The recipe calls for one large head of cauliflower cut into small florets which are then pickled with an array of aromatic ingredients. The spices transform the ordinary white cauliflower into a vibrant turmeric pickled cauliflower that’s perfect as a side or as a snack. In addition to the cauliflower florets, you’ll also need white wine vinegar, water, sugar, honey, salt, cinnamon stick and bay leaf to create the perfect tart brine for the pickling. Finally, the recipe calls for additional aromatics like fresh ginger, garlic cloves plus orange and lime if desired. If you wish to include vegetables in your brine mix during pickling other than cauliflower such as carrots, red onions or israeli pickles , this recipe also got you covered!
The Recipe How-To
Pickling cauliflower is surprisingly easy and a great way to preserve the vegetable’s texture and flavor. The turmeric adds a vibrant yellow hue while also giving the cauliflower a unique, earthy taste. Here’s how to make my Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower Recipe.
Ingredients:
-
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
-
1 large white onion, peeled and cut in half
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 tsp turmeric powder
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup sugar
- juice of 1 orange
- juice of 1 lime
- peel of half an orange
- salt, to taste
For the brine:
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ¼ tsp saffron
Directions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cauliflower
Cut the head of cauliflower into small bite-sized florets. Then, peel and cut the onion in half, keeping the layers intact. Keep the garlic cloves whole.
Step 2: Boiling & Soaking
In a small saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and onion halves, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Remove from heat and let sit for five minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Brining
In a separate pot or saucepan, combine all of the brine ingredients (white wine vinegar, water, white vinegar, saffron) together with the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and turmeric powder. Bring everything to a simmer and stir until sugar has dissolved.
Step 4: Adding Spices
Add the honey, sugar, juices of one orange and lime to the pot along with remaining ingredients (peel of half an orange). Mix well until combined.
Step 5: Pickling
In a large mason jar or several smaller jars/pickling crocks (total capacity of at least 63 pickled cauliflower florets), layer the Brussels sprouts with some sliced red onions (optional).
Pour in enough brine to fully submerge them. Seal tightly.
Place in fridge for at least six hours or overnight.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower as an appetizing snack alongside other pickled vegetables such as carrots and Israeli pickles as part of a platter. You can also serve it on top of patty melts for added crunch!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up a bit with the Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try to cater to your taste buds.
– Cauliflower substitutes: You can use other vegetables like carrots or cucumbers in place of cauliflower for a twist on traditional pickled vegetables.
– Spice variations: If you’re looking for a spicier kick, try adding chili flakes or jalapenos to the pickling brine.
– Vinegar options: Rather than white wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a different flavor profile.
– Sweetness level: Adjust the sweetness level to your preference by adding more honey or reducing the amount of sugar.
– Herbs and spices: Get creative and add your favorite herbs and spices like coriander seeds, mustard seeds, or even cinnamon to the mix to experiment with different flavors.
Be bold and experiment with these substitutions and variations to put your own spin on this Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower recipe. Who knows, you may just end up creating a whole new pickled vegetable tradition!
Serving and Pairing
One of the great things about Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower is how versatile it is when it comes to serving and pairing. You can eat it on its own, as a snack, or as a side dish to any meal. The tangy and savory flavors of the pickled cauliflower will complement and elevate any dish it’s served with.
For a simple snack, serve the pickled cauliflower florets in a bowl with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also incorporate the cauliflower in your charcuterie board, accompanied with cured meats and different cheeses such as feta or goat cheese.
For a side dish, pair the pickled cauliflower along with your grilled meats, such as chicken or lamb. The crunchiness of the pickles will create a delicious contrast with the tenderness of the meat. For vegetarians or vegans, these pickles work great with falafels, chickpea salads, and roasted vegetables.
Another option is to incorporate these pickles into more complex dishes such as wraps and sandwiches. For example, add them to a patty melt for an extra zing of flavor. Or use them for an Israeli-style shawarma wrap with hummus and tabbouleh salad.
To get even more creative, use this recipe turmeric pickled cauliflower along with other quick-pickled vegetables like carrots or cucumbers to make a spicy pickled salad. This salad brings a colorful and zesty element to your table that everyone will love.
In conclusion, there are endless possibilities on how you can serve and pair Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower into your meals! It’s all about experimenting with flavors and finding what fits best for you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Once made, store the pickled cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The longer it sits, the more flavor it will absorb.
The good news is that reheating your turmeric pickled cauliflower couldn’t be easier. Simply remove it from the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature before serving. The dish does not need to be heated, as it is meant to be served chilled.
If you prefer a warm dish, however, you can easily sauté the cauliflower in a pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil. Cook until tender but still slightly crunchy.
I recommend using this dish as an accompaniment to grilled meats or sandwiches. It adds just the right amount of tanginess and crunchiness to any savory meal.
In addition, leftover brine from your pickled cauliflower can be used to make a spicy marinade for other pickled vegetables like carrots or onions. The options are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make this turmeric pickled cauliflower recipe a success, here are some tips that may help you.
Firstly, make sure you cut the cauliflower florets small enough to fit in the jars, as larger pieces may not pickle as well. I recommend cutting them into bite-sized pieces of about 1-2 inches.
When making the brine, try to use high-quality ingredients like good quality white vinegar and fresh spices for maximum flavor. You can also adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your liking, but be careful not to overdo it or it can become too salty or sweet.
It’s also important to let the cauliflower pickle in the brine for at least 24 hours for optimal flavor. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the pickling time to 12 hours or less.
Additionally, if you want to make quick pickled vegetables in a pinch, this recipe is perfect for using up any leftover vegetables you may have. Carrots also work well with this recipe and add a spicy flavor when combined with turmeric powder.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to get creative with your serving and pairing options. This turmeric pickled cauliflower goes great with a variety of dishes such as soups, stews or salads. It adds a nice crunch and tangy flavor that complements the Middle Eastern spices used in the recipe.
By following these simple tips and being open to experimenting with different pairing options, you can ensure that your turmeric pickled cauliflower will be a crowd-pleaser every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower Recipe is a unique and flavorful dish that you must try. With its combination of spices and vegetables, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. You won’t be disappointed! Remember to use fresh ingredients and follow the recipe as written for best results. Happy cooking!
Middle Eastern Crunch: Turmeric Pickled Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lemon, juice of
- 1 lime, juice of
- zest from 1 orange
- 1 jalapeno, sliced lengthwise
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed with the back of a knife
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and rough cut
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon pickling spices
- 1 bay leaf, dried
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 pinch saffron
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except for the cauliflower in a large stockpot and bring to a boil.
- Add cauliflower and bring back to a boil.
- Remove from heat and allow to come to room temperature.
- Keep covered in its liquid in refrigerator.