My question is at the end of the post.

I've devised a tasty recipe for a side dish that goes with a lot of things.

It's 2 cups of chopped cauliflower florets, microwaved until tender.

Mix 5 tablespoons of canola oil with one level teaspoon of chili powder and 2 heaped teaspoons of curry powder.

Stir oil mixture through the cauliflower until it's thoroughly coated.

Heat the wok then fry at medium heat until it's heated through.

Question: When this mix is frying, the hot vapor that it gives off is incredibly pungent.

No kidding, it's almost like I imagine mustard gas must have been. Really catches in your throat and makes you cough.

Anyone know what the active ingredient of this vapor might be?

BTW, the cauli\chili\curry mix is delicious! But not for the faint-hearted :-)