Description
A modern vegetarian twist on the classic butter chicken, using roasted cauliflower in a rich, spiced, creamy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 cup peas, a squeeze of lemon juice, toasted almonds or cashews
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.
- Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Reduce heat and add cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir for 1 minute to toast spices.
- Add tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in coconut milk or cream and simmer another 5 minutes.
- Add roasted cauliflower to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
- Add butter and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with cilantro and any optional add-ins. Serve hot with naan or rice.
Notes
Ensure cauliflower is evenly cut for uniform roasting. Shake coconut milk can well before use. Avoid overcrowding the pan during roasting and don’t overcook the cream sauce to prevent separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Oven
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cauliflower, butter chicken, vegetarian, Indian, creamy curry