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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C) for achieving perfectly crisp cauliflower florets.
- Seasoning: Coat cauliflower with olive oil, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
- Roasting: Spread florets on a baking sheet in a single layer, roasting for 20-25 minutes and flipping midway to create golden, caramelized edges.
- Sauce Foundation: Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a rich aromatic base for the sauce.
- Aromatics Development: Sauté onions until golden, then add minced garlic and ginger, stirring to release their intense flavors and create a robust flavor profile.
- Spice Layering: Toast garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder for one minute to amplify their complex warm characteristics.
- 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.
- Combining: Fold roasted cauliflower into the sauce, allowing florets to absorb the intricate flavor profile for 2-3 minutes.
- 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