Description
Creamy Butter Cauliflower brings Indian comfort to your dinner table with a luscious, spice-laden sauce that hugs each tender floret. Luxurious flavors from traditional Punjab cuisine promise a memorable meal that welcomes you into a world of rich, aromatic delights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (for cauliflower)
- 2 teaspoons garam masala (for butter sauce)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Aromatics and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cauliflower)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for butter sauce)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream or yogurt (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Transform cauliflower florets into a flavorful culinary delight by preheating the oven to a scorching 425F (220C), ensuring a perfectly crisp exterior.
- Massage the florets with olive oil, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt, creating a vibrant, aromatic coating that promises depth of flavor.
- Arrange the seasoned florets on a baking sheet in a single layer, allowing each piece to caramelize evenly during roasting for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway to achieve golden perfection.
- Initiate the sauce preparation by melting butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a rich, fragrant base.
- Introduce finely chopped onions to the pan, sautéing them until they soften and develop a golden hue, releasing their sweet undertones.
- Infuse the mixture with minced garlic and ginger, stirring briefly to awaken their intense aromatics and create a robust flavor foundation.
- Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder, toasting the spices for a minute to amplify their complex, warm characteristics.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce, thickening into a luxurious, concentrated essence.
- Incorporate heavy cream (or coconut cream) and a touch of sugar, stirring to create a velvety, balanced sauce that harmonizes sweet and savory notes.
- Gently fold the roasted cauliflower into the sauce, ensuring each floret is lovingly coated and allowed to absorb the intricate flavor profile.
- Let the cauliflower mingle in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, creating a seamless integration of textures and tastes.
- Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and an optional drizzle of cream or yogurt for added richness.
- Present the butter cauliflower alongside steamed basmati rice, warm naan, or soft roti, inviting diners to savor this aromatic, comforting creation.
Notes
- Roast cauliflower evenly to ensure crispy, golden edges that lock in maximum flavor and create a delightful textural contrast with the creamy sauce.
- Use fresh spices for an intense, vibrant taste that elevates the entire dish, ensuring each bite bursts with authentic Indian-inspired aromatics.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder, making the recipe adaptable for mild or heat-loving palates without compromising the core flavor profile.
- Swap heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream to create a vegan-friendly version that maintains the luxurious, rich sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg