Aloo Gobi translates literally to potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). It’s a simple, yet delicious curry composed of Indian pantry favorites and is one of the most widely cooked dishes on the Indian subcontinent. Aloo gobi can come together in a variety of ways depending on the time and utensils you have at your disposal. This recipe takes just 30-45 minutes from start to finish, which makes it a brilliant option for eating a quick and healthy weekday meal with flair and flavor. The veggies’ ability to soak up a little heat with the herbal characteristics makes aloo gobi perfect as a centerpiece for vegetarian meals, or part of a shared Indian banquet.

Aloo gobi’s notable yellow color is thanks to turmeric. The look is matched by delicious layers of other aromatic herbs that fold into the cauliflower and spuds as they soften under high heat. If you like a bit of kick in your curry then ratchet up the spice with additional cayenne pepper or more robust fresh chiles.

Dishes like aloo gobi reinforce the point (to an unabashed carnivore like me), that sometimes your vegetables can take center stage in a quality meal. The cauliflower florets and potatoes transform from the normal kitchen staples of western cuisine with the infusion of rich, colorful spices.

One recommendation I would stress when cooking aloo gobi is that it pays to introduce the vegetables at different times to keep it from feeling too mushy. Staggering the veggies, with the potatoes going in first, results in a delectable contrast of textures between soft potatoes and slightly crunchy cauliflower.

I like to eat a range of Indian dishes together as I can then use them for other meals. I always match aloo gobi with a sweeter, less punchy curry. Mango chicken, a mild rogan josh curry, and butter chicken are great accompaniments as well, while naan bread, poppadoms, and saffron rice help create a simple but delicious shared Indian dinner experience that caters to a range of palates.