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Butter Cauliflower

Delicious Butter Cauliflower: A Cozy Vegetarian Comfort Dish

This Butter Cauliflower recipe transforms the beloved flavors of Butter Chicken into a comforting vegetarian dish that satisfies cravings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Lime juice works as a substitution.
  • 2 tablespoons Corn Starch Arrowroot or tapioca starch can be used instead.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Coriander can be used for a different flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Turmeric Can be omitted but enhances taste significantly.
  • 3 teaspoons Garam Masala Avoid replacing it as it's key to the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to dietary needs.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Coconut oil can be a good substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Vegan butter works for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Shallots are an excellent alternative.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Best used fresh with no substitutes.
  • 1 tablespoon Freshly Grated Ginger Ground ginger can replace it but is less potent.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Ketchup can work in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika gives a smoky twist.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Allspice is an alternative if needed.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust based on your spice preference.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Substitute with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth Chicken broth may work for non-vegetarians.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Full-fat canned coconut milk works for dairy-free options.
For Serving
  • 2 cups Basmati Rice Quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent substitutes.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Parsley can substitute in a pinch.
  • 1/2 cup Whole-Milk Greek Yogurt Dairy-free yogurt works as an alternative.

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butter Cauliflower
  1. In a large bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, corn starch, ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 3 teaspoons of garam masala, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss the cauliflower florets gently in this flavorful mixture until evenly coated, then set them aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated cauliflower florets and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove the cauliflower from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the unsalted butter, allowing it to melt over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, roughly 8 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and tomato paste; cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Incorporate the remaining spices: 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 3 teaspoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of salt, paprika, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper into the onion mixture. Stir well to combine before adding the tomato sauce and vegetable broth. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. Slowly mix the heavy cream into the simmering sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture. Return the sautéed cauliflower to the skillet, stirring gently to coat the florets in the sauce. Allow everything to simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Once your Butter Cauliflower is beautifully thickened, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving hot over fluffy basmati rice. Optionally top with whole-milk Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider freezing the Butter Cauliflower without the cream and adding it fresh when reheating.

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