Creamy Butter Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric divided
- 3 teaspoons garam masala divided
- 1½ teaspoons salt divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger or ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- Cooked basmati rice for serving
- Fresh cilantro and plain yogurt for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, cornstarch, cumin, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon garam masala, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower florets and cook, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned and starting to soften, about 7–8 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Transfer cauliflower to the bowl with the cornstarch mixture and toss until coated. Return cauliflower to the skillet and cook another 7–8 minutes, until tender with lightly crisp edges. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Stir in the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 8 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the remaining turmeric, garam masala, salt, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in tomato sauce and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the cream.
- Return the cauliflower to the skillet and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the cauliflower.
- Serve warm over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and a spoonful of yogurt.
Notes
This creamy butter cauliflower is a comforting vegetarian dinner inspired by classic Indian flavors. Tender cauliflower simmers in a rich, spiced tomato cream sauce, making it perfect for weeknight meals, plant-based comfort food lovers, or meatless dinner ideas.