Creamy Butter Cauliflower

This creamy Butter Cauliflower recipe is a delicious vegetarian alternative to the popular Indian dish, Butter Chicken. Featuring tender cauliflower simmered in a spiced cream sauce, this dish is rich, flavorful, and served over fluffy rice with a dollop of creamy yogurt. Perfect for a satisfying and aromatic meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vegetarian Delight: A flavorful twist on the classic Butter Chicken, using cauliflower as the star ingredient for a light yet satisfying meal.

• Rich & Creamy Sauce: The spices and cream come together to create a smooth and aromatic sauce that coats each cauliflower floret.

• Easy & Quick: With a prep time of only 15 minutes, you’ll have this dish on the table in just over an hour.

• Perfect Pairing: Serve over basmati rice with a side of yogurt and fresh cilantro for a well-rounded and comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tsp corn starch

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground turmeric (divided)

• 3 tsp garam masala (divided)

• 1 ½ tsp salt (divided)

• 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tsp freshly grated ginger (or ground ginger)

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat canned coconut milk as a substitute)

• Basmati rice (for serving)

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

• Whole-milk Greek yogurt (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, corn starch, cumin, ½ tsp turmeric, 2 ½ tsp garam masala, and 1 tsp salt. Set aside. Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and cook, tossing occasionally, for about 7-8 minutes, until browned in spots and starting to soften. Reduce the heat to medium and transfer the cauliflower to the bowl with the corn starch mixture. Toss the cauliflower to coat in the spices. Return the cauliflower to the skillet and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, until it is charred and crisp-tender. Transfer the cauliflower to a bowl and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil and butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to become fragrant. Add the remaining ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp garam masala, 1 tsp salt, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.

3. Simmer the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce and vegetable broth to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir in the cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version), and then return the cooked cauliflower to the skillet. Simmer the sauce uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until it thickens.

4. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, serve the butter cauliflower over basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 50 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add chickpeas to the sauce or serve with grilled tofu or paneer.

• Spicy Version: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies to the sauce.

• Vegan Option: Replace the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and coconut milk for a fully vegan meal.

• Other Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas to the dish for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover butter cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cauliflower works well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Is there a substitute for garam masala?

If you don’t have garam masala, you can use a combination of ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves as a substitute. Adjust the quantities to taste.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or incorporating some chopped green chilies into the sauce.

How can I make the sauce creamier?

For a richer, creamier sauce, you can use more heavy cream or a dollop of full-fat coconut milk to enhance the texture.

Can I serve this dish without rice?

Yes, you can serve this butter cauliflower with other grains like quinoa, couscous, or even naan for a different twist.

Can I use other vegetables in place of cauliflower?

Yes! You can substitute cauliflower with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or even potatoes for a different variation of the dish.

Can I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream, giving the dish a slightly different flavor and making it vegan-friendly.

How can I make this dish lower in fat?

To make this recipe lighter, you can reduce the amount of butter and use low-fat or plant-based cream alternatives.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes, fresh ginger works great in this recipe. You can substitute 2 tsp of fresh grated ginger for the ground ginger.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it up.

Conclusion

This creamy and flavorful Butter Cauliflower is a comforting and satisfying vegetarian dish that rivals its meaty counterpart, Butter Chicken. With rich spices, a creamy sauce, and tender cauliflower, it’s a perfect meal to enjoy over rice with a dollop of yogurt and fresh cilantro. Enjoy this hearty and aromatic dish with family and friends for a memorable, flavorful meal!