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Butter Cauliflower Curry with Spiced Tomato Sauce and Cream Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 84 reviews

Butter Cauliflower is a flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender cauliflower florets cooked in a rich, spiced tomato and cream sauce. This vibrant recipe combines warming spices like turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and cinnamon with the creamy richness of butter and heavy cream, resulting in a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for serving over fragrant basmati rice. Garnished with fresh cilantro and creamy Greek yogurt, this dish balances bold flavors with a smooth finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Spice Mix and Coating

  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp corn starch
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric (divided)
  • 3 tsp garam masala (divided)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt (divided)

Main Ingredients

  • 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 (sub ground ginger if needed)
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (can substitute full-fat canned coconut milk)

For Serving and Garnish

  • Basmati rice
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Whole-milk Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Spice Mixture: In a large bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, corn starch, ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1 1/2 tsp salt (divided, so use half here means 1/2 tsp), and 1/2 tsp garam masala. Mix thoroughly and set this mixture aside. This will be used to coat the cauliflower for seasoning and tenderizing.
  2. Brown the Cauliflower: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets, tossing occasionally, and cook until they develop brown spots and begin to soften, about 7 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, transfer the cauliflower to the prepared spice mixture bowl, and toss to coat well.
  3. Cook Cauliflower Until Crisp-Tender: Return the seasoned cauliflower to the skillet and continue cooking for another 7 to 8 minutes until the cauliflower is charred in spots but still crisp-tender. Remove the cauliflower from the skillet and place it in a bowl to rest while preparing the sauce.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and all the unsalted butter. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 8 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  5. Add Remaining Spices: Stir in the remaining 1/2 tsp turmeric, 2 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp salt, paprika, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Cook this spice mixture for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to bloom and meld.
  6. Build the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream. Return the cooked cauliflower florets to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them well.
  7. Simmer Until Thickened: Let the cauliflower and sauce simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the butter cauliflower hot over cooked basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a dollop of whole-milk Greek yogurt for a delicate, creamy contrast to the spiced sauce.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk to make the dish dairy-free while maintaining creaminess.
  • Add cayenne pepper progressively to control the heat according to your preference or omit it for a milder dish.
  • Make sure not to overcook the cauliflower; it should be crisp-tender to provide a good texture contrast with the creamy sauce.
  • Use fresh ginger for the best flavor; ground ginger can be used but fresh is preferred.
  • This dish pairs excellently with basmati rice but can also be served with naan or roti for a complete meal.

Keywords: Butter Cauliflower, Indian Cauliflower Curry, Spiced Cauliflower, Vegetable Curry, Vegetarian Indian Recipe

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/butter-cauliflower-curry-with-spiced-tomato-sauce-and-cream-recipe/