Roasted cauliflower in a creamy tomato-spice sauce
Indian Butter Cauliflower
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Indian Butter Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower in a creamy tomato-spice sauce
A vegetarian riff on butter chicken with roasted cauliflower in a creamy tomato sauce that is rich, warm, and weeknight-friendly.
15m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
50m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Butter-style sauces are too good to reserve for chicken. Roasted cauliflower holds up beautifully in the tomato-cream base and turns the dish into a satisfying vegetarian dinner rather than a side.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- 1
Roast the cauliflower at 425°F until browned at the edges.
- 2
Meanwhile, cook the onion, garlic, and ginger in a skillet until softened.
- 3
Add the garam masala and tomatoes and simmer until slightly thickened.
- 4
Stir in the butter and cream, then fold in the roasted cauliflower.
- 5
Serve with rice or naan.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime
Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side
Substitutions
Heavy creamCoconut milk
Coconut milk keeps the sauce rich with a different flavor profile
ButterGhee
Ghee is a very natural fit here and adds nuttier flavor
FlavorPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Garam Masala
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the spice blend matters
A better spice blend gives the recipe more rounded flavor without making you buy ten separate jars first.
This is often the pantry shortcut that makes the result taste more complete.
- Adds warmer depth quickly
- Useful across curries, lentils, and vegetable dishes
If you are cooking Indian food more than once, garam masala is a practical pantry anchor.
Shop garam masala for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
A little extra butter at the end makes the sauce taste closer to restaurant versions.
Use coconut milk instead of cream if you want a dairy-free version.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein7g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat22g
Fiber5g
Sugar8g
Sodium470mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add chickpeas?
- Yes. Chickpeas make it even more substantial and work well in the sauce.
- Do I need to roast the cauliflower?
- It is strongly recommended because it improves the texture and flavor a lot.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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