Name: Creamy Butter Cauliflower Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp corn starch; ½ tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground turmeric (divided); 3 tsp garam masala (divided); 1 ½ tsp salt (divided); 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 yellow onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp freshly grated ginger (or ground ginger); 2 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp paprika; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 cups vegetable broth; ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat canned coconut milk as a substitute); Basmati rice (for serving); Fresh cilantro (for garnish); Whole-milk Greek yogurt (for serving)

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Say hello to your next favorite weeknight dinner: Creamy Butter Cauliflower. Imagine everything you adore about classic butter chicken—the velvety, spiced tomato cream sauce and comforting warmth—transformed into a satisfying vegetarian dish featuring golden, perfectly roasted cauliflower. This recipe is rich in flavor, incredibly aromatic, and surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, after one bite you’ll be dreaming about it for days!

Creamy Butter Cauliflower Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Creamy Butter Cauliflower is how the ingredient list sets the stage for a dish that’s bold and comforting. Each carefully chosen ingredient does its part, whether it’s bringing in warmth, adding lush texture, or spicing things up in just the right way.

Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish and adds a subtle tartness that balances the creamy sauce.
Corn starch: Helps create a delicate, crispy coating on the cauliflower when pan-roasted.
Ground cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin adds a classic Indian flavor base.
Ground turmeric: Lends gorgeous golden hues and gentle spice, plus a nutritional boost.
Garam masala: This magical blend of warm spices is key for that unmistakable Indian-inspired aroma.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Olive oil: For roasting the cauliflower and sautéing aromatics—use a good quality one for better flavor.
Cauliflower florets: The star of the show! Fresh cauliflower soaks up all the saucy goodness.
Unsalted butter: Adds the creamy, indulgent touch you expect in a butter-based curry.
Yellow onion: Forms the savory backbone of the sauce, sweetening as it cooks.
Garlic cloves: Bold, robust, and absolutely essential for complexity.
Freshly grated ginger: Provides a peppery, bright kick that wakes up the palate.
Tomato paste: Intensifies color and adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
Paprika: Deepens color while supplying smokiness and mild heat.
Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch brings subtle warmth and depth.
Cayenne pepper: Optional, for those who enjoy a gentle heat.
Tomato sauce: Creates the lush, tangy base of the curry sauce.
Vegetable broth: Gives the sauce body and complexity without any animal products.
Heavy cream (or coconut milk): For ultra richness—use coconut milk to keep it vegan.
Basmati rice: The perfect fluffy, aromatic bed for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Fresh cilantro: Brings a final pop of freshness and color.
Whole-milk Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a cooling finish when served on top.

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by cutting your cauliflower into generous, bite-sized florets—think hearty chunks that won’t fall apart in the sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, corn starch, ground cumin, half the turmeric, most of the garam masala, and a sprinkle of salt. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and brown the cauliflower for about 7-8 minutes to develop golden edges, then toss with the spice and corn starch mixture to coat. Give it another round in the skillet with a bit more oil until deeply charred and tender. Set aside; you’ll be amazed by how flavorful and toasty these florets become!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter together with the remaining olive oil. Add your finely chopped onion and cook it slowly until translucent and sweet, about 8 minutes, stirring often so it doesn’t brown too soon. Toss in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger for a bright, bold punch—then add tomato paste, stirring until it deepens in color and fragrance. At this stage, any kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Now it’s time to stir in the rest of the turmeric, garam masala, salt, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne if you want a bit of heat. Let the spices bloom by cooking them for about 1 minute, releasing their aroma and flavor. This is where all the magic happens: the foundation of your Creamy Butter Cauliflower sauce!

Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Sauce and Cream

Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth, then give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Swirl in the cream (or coconut milk for a vegan option) until the sauce takes on a dreamy richness. Slide the roasted cauliflower florets back in, and let everything meld together, uncovered, for 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully and the cauliflower will soak up every drop of flavor.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Spoon your luxurious Creamy Butter Cauliflower over a bed of steamy basmati rice. Top with freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for a perfect contrast. Trust me, the combination of warm, spiced sauce and cool toppings is pure comfort food bliss.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Elevate each serving with a classic touch: a scatter of fresh cilantro and a swirl of thick Greek yogurt. The coolness of the yogurt and the herbaceous cilantro not only look beautiful but also compliment the richness of your Creamy Butter Cauliflower.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines alongside a mound of fluffy basmati rice, but you can also serve it with warm naan, roti, or even a light cucumber salad for contrast. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime on the side for guests who crave a bit more zing!

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, try individual bowls layered with rice at the bottom, a scoop of Creamy Butter Cauliflower on top, finished with garnishes. Or use the saucy cauliflower as a filling for wraps or pitas, paired with fresh greens and pickled onions for a fun twist. It’s a recipe made for sharing and showing off!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Butter Cauliflower to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

Creamy sauces actually freeze surprisingly well! Let the dish cool completely, then freeze individual or family-sized portions in sealed containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results—this keeps the cauliflower from becoming mushy when you reheat it.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Butter Cauliflower on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it needs loosening. Microwaving is convenient, just be sure to cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure creamy consistency throughout.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Butter Cauliflower vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with coconut oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. The result is just as luscious and flavorful, with a slight coconut twist.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, but let it thaw fully and pat dry before roasting. While the texture might be a bit softer, it’s a great shortcut and still tastes wonderful in the sauce.

How spicy is this dish?

Creamy Butter Cauliflower is warm and aromatic, with mild heat levels by default. To spice it up, increase the cayenne or toss in some chopped green chilies as you cook the sauce.

Can I prep the dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can roast the cauliflower and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately and combine to simmer before serving—this also lets the flavors develop even more.

What other veggies can I add?

Feel free to toss in bell peppers, peas, or even wilted spinach for an extra boost of color and nutrients. The sauce is versatile, so don’t be afraid to give it your own twist!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a truly comforting, feel-good dinner, don’t hesitate to try Creamy Butter Cauliflower—the balance of cozy spices, velvety sauce, and hearty cauliflower is something special. Give it a spot at your dinner table and prepare yourself for lots of happy “seconds, please!” requests. Enjoy every bite!