- 1 medium-large cauliflower (about 1 3/4 pounds/800g), trimmed
- Sea salt
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 3 onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- A large pinch of dried chile flakes
- 2 star anise
- 1 (14-ounce/400g) can plum tomatoes, chopped, any stalky ends and skin removed
- 1 (14-ounce/400g) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- A good handful of cilantro, chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Cut the cauliflower into medium florets. Put into a large pan, cover with cold water, add some salt, and bring up to a rolling boil. This will partly cook the cauliflower. Take off the heat right away, drain well, and keep warm in the pan.
- Heat the oil in a second large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the ground coriander, cumin, chile flakes, star anise, and some salt and pepper and cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes with their juice and the chickpeas. Stir well, then add the parcooked cauliflower. Pour in enough cold water to almost but not quite cover everything (1/3 to 3/4 cup/100 to 200ml) and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cauliflower is tender.
- Stir in the garam masala and half of the chopped cilantro, then check the seasoning. Serve scattered with the remaining cilantro and accompanied by rice, flat breads, or naan.