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Butter Cauliflower

Butter Cauliflower: Creamy Vegetarian Comfort You’ll Love

This Butter Cauliflower recipe provides a luxurious vegetarian twist on the classic Butter Chicken.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Substitution: Lime juice can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch Ensure it's well mixed to avoid lumps.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin No direct substitution; however, chili powder gives some heat.
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric Tip: Use fresh turmeric for a more vibrant flavor.
  • 2 ½ teaspoons garam masala Use homemade if available; it enhances the dish.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste based on personal preference.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Substitution: Canola or coconut oil can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Substitution: Vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped) Substitution: Shallots can be used.
  • 4 cloves garlic cloves (minced) Substitution: Garlic powder can be used.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated) Substitution: Ground ginger can replace fresh.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Substitution: Fresh tomatoes can be used; reduce liquid slightly.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika can be substituted for an extra dimension.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Omit if undesired.
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Adjust based on heat preference.
  • 1 cup tomato sauce Substitution: Canned diced tomatoes blended into a smooth sauce can work too.
  • 1 cup vegetable broth Substitution: Chicken broth for non-vegetarian option.
  • ½ cup heavy cream Substitution: Full-fat canned coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
For Serving
  • 2 cups basmati rice Tip: Quinoa or chickpeas can be used for a protein boost.
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro (for garnish) Optional: Parsley can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt (for serving) Substitution: Cashew yogurt for vegan option.

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, corn starch, ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, 2 ½ teaspoons of garam masala, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well until smooth, ensuring that there are no lumps in the corn starch. Then, add the cauliflower florets into this mixture and coat them evenly. Set aside for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the cauliflower florets, spreading them out evenly in the pan. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the florets are browned and starting to soften.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and toss the cauliflower with the corn starch mixture, coating them thoroughly. Continue to cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is charred and crisp-tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, stir in the finely chopped yellow onion, sautéing for about 8 minutes until they turn translucent.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic cloves and grated fresh ginger, allowing them to cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir often to prevent garlic from burning.
  6. Add remaining turmeric, garam masala, salt, paprika, and ground cinnamon into the skillet. Stir and let it simmer for about 1 minute.
  7. Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the heavy cream.
  8. Return the sautéed cauliflower to the skillet, gently stirring it into the sauce. Let this simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
  9. Garnish your Butter Cauliflower with freshly chopped cilantro and serve it over a bed of steaming basmati rice with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 9gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk.

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