Ground Meat and Cauliflower Stew (Kıymalı Karnabahar Yemeği) - Perfectly Measured, Mom's Way

• Boil 1 medium head of cauliflower whole in a pot of salted water, then drain. Once cooled, cut into florets.
• In a wide, shallow pot, sauté 1 finely diced onion and 1 julienned red kapya pepper in 1 tea glass of vegetable oil (about 100 ml / 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp).
• Add 100 g (about 3.5 oz) of ground beef and sauté. Sprinkle in 1 dessert spoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Aleppo pepper flakes. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (domates salçası) and stir to combine.
• Push half of the mixture to the side of the pot. Place the cauliflower florets on top of the remaining half, then spoon the set-aside mixture over the cauliflower.
• Add water to reach halfway up the cauliflower and cook over low heat.
• Before serving, chop 1 handful of fresh dill over the top. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

• When boiling the cauliflower, drop a slice of lemon into the pot and you'll find that the sharp smell largely disappears.
• Be careful not to over-boil the cauliflower. Keeping it slightly firm prevents it from falling apart during cooking.
• The dill added at serving time is not just a garnish — it's the most important aromatic that balances the flavor of the cauliflower. Always make sure to use it fresh.

About This Recipe

Cauliflower is one of the most delicious members of the cruciferous family and holds a wide place in Turkish cuisine. In Turkey, it grows in the Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean regions. The cauliflower is white in color because its florets are enclosed by large protective leaves. 
 
Thanks to the sulforaphane it contains, cauliflower helps improve blood pressure and supports kidney health. Sulforaphane also destroys cancer cells and inhibits tumor growth. According to experts, eliminating cancer-causing cells is one of the most important steps in fighting the disease.

It is known that consuming cauliflower — especially together with turmeric — offers protection against prostate cancer and may aid in its treatment. The indoles and isothiocyanates found in cauliflower also have body-strengthening properties against stomach, gallbladder, breast, colon, liver, and lung cancers.

Another important compound found in cauliflower is choline — a type of B vitamin that plays a significant role in healthy brain development. Consuming choline during pregnancy greatly benefits the brain activity of the fetus. Experts say it enhances cognitive function, learning, and memory.

Cauliflower is also a powerful antioxidant and helps the body detoxify. It contains many anti-inflammatory nutrients. As a source of fiber, it supports and protects the digestive system. Since consuming cauliflower provides the body with antioxidants and plant-based nutrition, it offers protection against many diseases. This vegetable contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, and cinnamic acid — all of which protect the body against free radicals, slow the aging process, and prevent damage to tissues and organs.
 
We make every effort to keep such a special food in our kitchens.
From stews to Yogurt Cauliflower Salad, soups, breaded dishes, salads, and even pizzas — we find a use for it in every form. Today we bring you our Ground Meat and Cauliflower recipe. We hope you enjoy making it…