Name: Butter Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing); 2 tbsp butter or coconut oil; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt (optional); Lemon juice (for serving)

Description

This Butter Cauliflower recipe is a rich, creamy, and satisfying vegetarian dish inspired by the classic Butter Chicken. Made with tender cauliflower florets cooked in a luscious tomato and spice-infused sauce, it’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests. Easily customizable to be dairy-free or vegan with coconut milk.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cauliflower:

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp butter or coconut oil
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk

For Garnishing:

Fresh cilantro, chopped
Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt (optional)
Lemon juice (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare Cauliflower:
- Toss cauliflower with cornstarch, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and salt.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook cauliflower until golden and slightly crispy (7-8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make Sauce:
- In the same skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until translucent (about 8 minutes).
- Add garlic, ginger, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
Simmer Sauce:
- Add tomato sauce and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk. Add cauliflower back to the skillet.
- Let simmer for 10-15 minutes until cauliflower is tender and sauce thickens.
Serve:
- Garnish with cilantro and lemon juice. Serve over rice, quinoa, or with naan bread.

Notes

For a vegan option, use coconut oil and coconut milk.
For extra protein, add chickpeas or tofu.
Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired