Comfort in a Bowl: How to Make Cauliflower Massouri Dhal with Authentic Chief Brand Spices

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of dhal to bring comfort and warmth to the table. In Trinidad and across the Caribbean, dhal isn’t just food—it’s tradition, family, and soul all in one. This Cauliflower Massouri Dhal recipe takes the beloved classic and gives it a hearty twist with tender cauliflower florets.
But here’s the secret: the magic lies in the spices. Without the right blend of curry, geera, saffron, and masala, you’ll never capture that authentic Trini flavor. That’s where My Trini Grocery comes in—we’ve got all the genuine Chief Brand spices you need, delivered straight to your door.
Ingredients List:
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- ½ tsp Chief Brand Geera Seeds (Cumin)
- 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Onion, minced
- 1 tbsp Pimento Peppers, minced
- ½ tsp Fresh Ginger, minced
- ½ tbsp Chief Brand Curry Powder 230g
- ½ tbsp Chief Brand Roasted Ground Geera 85g
- ½ tbsp Chief Brand Amchar Massala 85g
- 1 tsp Chief Brand Saffron Powder (Turmeric) 85g
- 1 cup Massouri Dhal (fine split pea lentils)
- 1 head Cauliflower, cut into florets
- 5 cups Vegetable Stock
- 1 tbsp Fresh Chadon Beni, minced
- ½ tsp Chief Brand Chili Powder 85g
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add garlic, onion, pimento, and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the spices: Chief Brand Curry Powder, Chief Brand Roasted Ground Geera, Chief Brand Amchar Massala, and Chief Brand Saffron Powder. Cook for 1 minute to parch the spices and release their aroma.
- Add the Massouri dhal, cauliflower florets, and vegetable stock. Stir well, cover, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes until the dhal and cauliflower are tender.
- Use a stick blender to puree slightly, leaving some texture.
- Stir in fresh chadon beni and Chief Brand Chili Powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over basmati rice or with soft, warm roti.
Tips & Serving Suggestions:
- For extra depth of flavor, roast the cauliflower florets lightly before adding them to the dhal.
- Pair this dish with buss-up-shut roti or serve alongside fried plantains for a complete Trini comfort meal.
Ready to make this at home? Get all your authentic Chief Brand spices and other Trini essentials delivered right to your door.