Butter Cauliflower
This Butter Cauliflower is a vegetarian twist on butter chicken, featuring roasted cauliflower in a creamy, spiced tomato-butter sauce. Comforting, flavorful, and easy to make in under 40 minutes—perfect for weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional
- 1 cup tomato puree
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the cauliflower : Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and salt until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly browned and crisp on the edges.
- Sauté the aromatics : While the cauliflower roasts, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and cook for 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Bloom the spices : Stir in the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili flakes. Let the spices cook for about 30 seconds, allowing them to release their full aroma into the pan.
- Simmer the sauce : Pour in the tomato puree and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cream or coconut milk, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and finish : Add the roasted cauliflower directly into the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it simmer for 3–5 more minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve and enjoy : Top with chopped cilantro and serve warm with rice, naan, or over a grain bowl. The sauce is rich and luscious, so be generous with your servings!
Notes
Pros
- Rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful
- Great vegetarian alternative to butter chicken
- Meal-prep and freezer friendly
- Adaptable for dairy-free and gluten-free diets
- Budget-friendly ingredients
Cons
- Roasting and sauce prep takes some coordination
- May be too mild or too spicy without adjustment
- Not ideal for very low-fat diets