Its official. I love fennel. I love its aroma and the unique flavour it infuses in to the dishes. Its sometimes the star ingredient of a dish, without actually taking all the lime light! I wanted to combine the goodness of asparagus, potatoes and cauliflower in to one amazing bowl of hearty subzi. Thus was born this unique and tasty side dish. I could eat it with rotis the whole week! I really did! It was a hit with rotis and the leftover went it to fill in to my bread,to make tasty sandwiches and  the third day, I stuffed it in to puff pastry sheets. Yes, it was amazing! Go on, try it and see for yourself.

INGREDIENTS:

2 Small or 1 Medium Onions diced fine.

2 Cups Cauliflower Florettes.

1 Potatoe cut in to medium 1 inch bits.

1 pound Asparagus diced in into 1 inch pieces.

1/4 Tsp Turmeric.

1 Tsp Red chilli powder.

1 Tbsp Fennel powdered.

1 Tsp Tandoori Masala.

1/2 Tsp Garam Masala.

1 Tsp Salt.

SEASONING:

1 Tsp heaped Somph/ Fennel.

2 Star Anise.

1 Mace (Optional)

TANDOORI MASALA POWDER:

4 tsp ground dhania.
3 tsp cumin ground.
4 tsp garlic powder.
2 tsp red cp.
3 tsp ginger powder.
2 tsp amchur.
1 tsp dried mint.
red food coloring.
1 tsp chilli powder.
2 Tsp Kasoori Methi.

Grind to a near smooth powder and store in an air tight container for more than 6 months.

PREPARATION:

• Microwave the cauliflower florettes, diced asparagus on HIGH for about 3 minutes.
• Boil the potatoe in a little water with salt and dice in to pieces.
• In a shallow kadai, add a tbsp of oil and when its hot enough, add the fennel, star anise and mace. When its slightly roasted add the finely chopped onions and shallow fry until pinkish brown.
• Just when the aroma was already getting to you, add the microwaved veggies – cauliflower, asparagus and the potatoes.
• Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt and mix them all in well.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water and reduce the flame to medium low. Cover and cook fofr about ten minutes.
• Check to see if the veggies are well cooked, If not cook for a couple minutes more.
• Gently add the tandoori masala powder and the garam masala powder at this stage and mix it in.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro, switch off the flame and keep covered until its time to serve.