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Gobi 65 on a serving plate with some lime wedges and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Gobi 65

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 4
Author Puja Verma
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DESCRIPTION

This crispy gobi 65 (aka cauliflower 65) is a popular authentic appetizer you find in Indian restaurants. My version has a healthier spin as the cauliflower florets are air-fried, instead of deep-fried. The texture is extra crispy on the outside and ultra-tender on the inside. They are coated in a sweet and spicy umami-rich 65 sauce; which is the all so easy to make at home using simple ingredients.

INGREDIENTS
  

Crispy Gobi

  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoon avocado oil to grease the air fryer

Batter Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoon corn starch
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ tsp salt

65 Sauce

  • 1 whole shallot finely diced
  • 1 whole serrano peppers finely diced, deseed for less heat
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced or paste
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced, grated, or paste
  • 8-12 whole curry leaves
  • 3 tbps soy sauce low sodium
  • 3 tbps maple syrup
  • 2 tbps tomato paste
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili powder double this amount for a spicy kick
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch to make slurry
  • ¼ teaspoon water to make slurry

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoon cilantro leaves chopped
  • red onions thinly sliced
  • serrano peppers thinly sliced
  • 2 whole green onions thinkly sliced
  • lime wedges

METHOD
 

  • Cauliflower florets – Remove the leafy base and cut through the stems to separate each floret
  • To make the batter - Combine all the batter ingredients in a large size mixing bowl. Whisk together till there are no clumps.
  • Toss all the cauliflower floret into the thick batter to coat each one.
    Note: I prefer to use clean hands to do this task.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400℉. Lightly oil the air fryer basket before placing the florets each time. Use a cooking spray or silicone brush to oil the basket.
  • Place the coated cauliflowers in the basket with space in between them, so they are not touching.
    Note - If you have a small basket, then this step will take a few rounds to complete.
  • Air fry 10 minutes, while pausing at the half way mark and shaking the florets. Set aside on a plate. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower florets.
    Note: You can also use an oven to bake the cauliflower florets on a lined baking sheet. Just make sure to flip the florets over to evenly bake them at the half way mark.
  • To make the 65 sauce - Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add all the aromatics (shallots, serrano peppers, garlic, ginger, and curry leaves). Cook for a minute.
  • Combine the red chili, soy sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, salt in a glass or wide mouth jar till you get a sauce like consistency.
  • Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Then mix the cornstarch slurry with the sauce.
  • Add all the dry spices (red chili, coriander, cumin) in the pan to cook with the aromatics.
  • Mix in the whisked sauce and cook for a couple minutes till the 65 sauce starts to thicken. Reduce the heat if the 65 sauce is thickening up quickly.
  • To make Gobi 65 - Transfer all the air fryer cauliflower florets back into the air fryer at 400℉ for only 3-4 minutes.
  • Then transfer the air fryer cauliflower florets to the 65 sauce and toss together till all the crispy florets are evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Serve hot with a garnish of green onions, fresh cilantro, green onions sliced red onions, serrano peppers, and lime wedges.

NOTES

Preheat the air fryer: Preheating helps achieve a crispier coating right from the start. I recommend heating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shake the basket: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking results in evenly browned florets and prevents sticking.
Don't overcrowd the basket: Allow space between the florets for hot air to circulate freely. If necessary, cook your cauliflower in batches.

NUTRITION

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1319mg | Potassium: 626mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 458IU | Vitamin C: 152mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 3mg
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Air fryer gobi 65, Cauli 65, Cauliflower 65, Gobi 65, gobi 65 recipe
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