Description
This Irresistible Butter Cauliflower is creamy, comforting, and packed with bold, warm spices — a healthy vegetarian dinner inspired by classic butter chicken but completely plant-based. Perfect for cozy nights and meatless meals.
Ingredients
For the roasted cauliflower: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon smoked paprika For the sauce: 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegan butter 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 2 teaspoons garam masala 1 teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon turmeric ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and drained ½ cup water 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon maple syrup or sugar For garnish: Fresh cilantro Cooked basmati rice or naan bread
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender. 2. Meanwhile, heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5–6 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne; cook 1 minute. 3. Transfer onions and spices to a blender. Add crushed tomatoes, soaked cashews, water, salt, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth. 4. Pour sauce back into skillet and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add roasted cauliflower and toss to coat; cook 2–3 minutes more. 5. Serve over rice or with naan, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
• Roast cauliflower without overcrowding for better caramelization. • Soak cashews well to ensure a creamy sauce. • Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference. • Add chickpeas or greens to the dish for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: butter cauliflower, vegetarian butter chicken, healthy vegetarian dinners, vegan Indian recipe, cauliflower curry