Luscious Butter Cauliflower Recipe: A Golden Veggie Delight

Creamy and aromatic butter cauliflower dances with exotic Indian spices, delivering a mouthwatering vegetarian delight that captures restaurant-style magic in your kitchen.

Tender cauliflower florets soak up rich, velvety butter sauce that seduces every taste bud with complex layers of flavor.

This North Indian classic brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your dining table with minimal effort.

Warm, golden-brown edges hint at the delectable caramelization waiting to tantalize your palate.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of spices and gentle creaminess that transforms a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece.

Fragrant and indulgent, this dish guarantees smiles and satisfied hunger around the table.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and experience the magic of authentic Indian cuisine at home.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Butter Cauliflower

• Cauliflower: Fresh florets bring a hearty base with nutty undertones, selecting firm and bright white pieces ensures perfect texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden crispy edges and enhances overall flavor absorption.
• Garam Masala: Warm spice blend adds depth and authentic Indian complexity.
• Turmeric: Provides earthy golden color and subtle warmth.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces gentle smoky undertones for rich flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all roasting spices.

• Butter: Creates luxurious creamy foundation with rich, smooth character.
• Olive Oil: Supports butter's cooking process and adds subtle fruity notes.
• Onion: Builds deep savory foundation with sweet caramelized undertones.
• Garlic: Brings intense aromatic punch and traditional Indian cooking essence.
• Ginger: Adds bright, zesty warmth and digestive-friendly properties.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Delivers tangy base with silky smooth consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Transforms sauce into velvety, indulgent texture.
• Sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out complex flavor profile.
• Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander, Chili Powder: Spice blend creates authentic multilayered Indian taste experience.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb adds bright, clean finishing touch.

Gear For Cooking Butter Cauliflower

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting cauliflower evenly with crispy edges.
• Large skillet or pan: Perfect for creating the rich, creamy butter sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and ginger.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and combining sauce ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.
• Measuring cups: Ensures correct liquid measurements.
• Oven: Necessary for roasting cauliflower to golden perfection.

Steps To Make Butter Cauliflower Effortlessly

• Oven Transformation

Unleash the magic of cauliflower by transforming it in a blazing hot oven. The goal is to create golden, crispy edges that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

• Flavor Foundation

Create a luxurious base with butter and aromatic spices. Sauté onions until they become soft and golden, releasing their sweet essence. Introduce garlic and ginger to awaken a symphony of flavors that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Sauce Symphony

Build a rich, velvety sauce by adding crushed tomatoes and a splash of cream. Let the mixture simmer and meld together, creating a luscious blanket of flavor that will coat every inch of the cauliflower.

• Cauliflower Celebration

Gently fold the roasted cauliflower into the dreamy sauce. Allow the florets to soak up all the incredible flavors, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exotic.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve alongside fluffy rice or warm bread. This final touch adds a burst of freshness and color that will make your dish look as amazing as it tastes.

Tips And Tricks For Butter Cauliflower Success

• Roasting Pro Tips: Crisp up your cauliflower by patting the florets completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum caramelization and prevent soggy edges.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the rich, creamy texture of the original recipe.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder quantity based on heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or add extra red chili flakes for significant heat intensity without disrupting the sauce's consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Roast cauliflower and prepare sauce separately up to two days in advance, storing them refrigerated. Combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent mushiness.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this dish into a complete meal by adding grilled paneer chunks, chickpeas, or shredded rotisserie chicken during the final simmering stage for extra protein and heartiness.

Easy Ways To Serve Butter Cauliflower

• Spice Up the Plate: Pair this butter cauliflower with fluffy basmati rice for a complete meal that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Creamy Companion: Top with a dollop of cool yogurt or raita to balance the rich, spicy flavors and add a refreshing contrast.
• Green Crunch Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of color, freshness, and herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Bread Dipping Delight: Serve alongside warm naan or roti to scoop up every last bit of the luxurious tomato-butter sauce, making sure no flavor goes to waste.

How To Store Butter Cauliflower The Smart Way

• Quick Cooling Method: Let butter cauliflower cool completely at room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store in airtight containers for 3-4 days, keeping sauce and cauliflower together to maintain moisture and flavor intensity.
• Freezing Technique: Pack in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays fresh for up to 2 months when sealed properly.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or cream to restore original creamy consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sauce separation.

Golden Cauliflower Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy butter cauliflower showcases Indian cuisine’s rich, comforting flavors. Spices blend harmoniously, creating a luxurious vegetarian dish that invites you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or coconut cream
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil (for cauliflower)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for butter sauce)
• 1 tsp garam masala (for cauliflower)
• 2 tsps garam masala (for butter sauce)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream or yogurt (optional, for drizzling)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C) for achieving perfectly crisp cauliflower florets.
2. Seasoning: Coat cauliflower with olive oil, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
3. Roasting: Spread florets on a baking sheet in a single layer, roasting for 20-25 minutes and flipping midway to create golden, caramelized edges.
4. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a rich aromatic base for the sauce.
5. Aromatics Development: Sauté onions until golden, then add minced garlic and ginger, stirring to release their intense flavors and create a robust flavor profile.
6. Spice Layering: Toast garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder for one minute to amplify their complex warm characteristics.
7. Sauce Creation: Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, simmering to reduce and concentrate the sauce’s essence while incorporating heavy cream (or coconut cream) and a touch of sugar.
8. Combining: Fold roasted cauliflower into the sauce, allowing florets to absorb the intricate flavor profile for 2-3 minutes.
9. Finishing: Garnish with fresh cilantro and an optional cream or yogurt drizzle, then serve alongside basmati rice, naan, or roti for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Maximize Crispiness: Spread cauliflower florets with enough space between them on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and ensure golden, crisp edges.
• Spice Adjustment: Customize spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder, catering to personal heat tolerance without compromising overall flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the sauce’s rich, creamy texture.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat cauliflower completely dry before seasoning to help achieve maximum crunchiness and prevent excess moisture during roasting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg