This humble Afghan stewed cauliflower dish is bold, spicy, and comforting.

Its befitting of a place on the sofreh for celebrations like Eid.

It’s so simple to make and cooks in about 25 minutes.

Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

There are blends specifically used for rice, pickles, meats, or stews.

Its okay to use any blend you could find since variations are expected from family to family.

Well-stocked Middle Eastern grocery stores will carry advieh or you might find itonline.

Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

Start the Onions without Oil

Gholpi starts with sauteed onions.

The onions are first cooked dry, without oil or any added liquid.

Oil is added only after the onions have softened.

Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

This is a technique Khadija uses to ensure the onions dont soak up too much oil.

The bread is used cutlery to scoop up the tender cauliflower florets and swipe the sauce.

you’re free to use a wok or a large saute pan.

Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

Use any kind of store-bought Indian or Middle Eastern curry powder.

Its okay if they brown around the edges.

If they start charring, lower the heat and continue stirring.

Onions for Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

Stir in the oil and reduce the heat to medium.

Continue to saute for about 2 minutes, until the onions are tender and translucent.

Cut off the stem and thinly slice 1 Anaheim pepper.

Onions and peppers for Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

Saute for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Stir in the cauliflower florets, 3/4 cup water, and salt.

Taste the sauce and season with more salt, if needed.

Onions and peppers for Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

Set a small frying pan over medium-high heat.

When its hot, add the remaining 2 Anaheim peppers.

This will create some peppery smoke, so open your windows!

Spices for Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

Transfer the gholpi onto a serving platter, being careful not to break or smash the florets.

Set the charred peppers on top and serve warm with barbari or lavash.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Spices and cauliflower for Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

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Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower) in pot with water

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower) in pot with water

John Robinson / Simply Recipes

Gholpi (Afghan Stewed Cauliflower)

John Robinson / Simply Recipes