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Butter Cauliflower Curry with Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe

Butter Cauliflower Curry with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Elina nivas
A rich, spiced meatless curry featuring charred cauliflower in a creamy tomato and butter sauce. Balanced warmth from garam masala and turmeric pairs perfectly with a bright lemon finish. Simple, flavorful, and comforting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp corn starch
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric (divided)
  • 3 tsp garam masala (divided)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (florets)
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 medium tomato (diced)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  • Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear cauliflower in batches until golden, 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and reserve.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil, sauté onion with 1/4 tsp salt until caramelized. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
  • Stir in diced tomato, remaining turmeric, and cumin. Simmer until thickened, 5-7 minutes.
  • Deglaze with lemon juice, then create a corn starch slurry (mix 2 tsp corn starch with 2 Tbsp water). Whisk into sauce.
  • Return cauliflower to skillet. Add butter and 1 Tbsp water to create a creamy finish. Simmer 5 minutes.
  • Season with remaining garam masala and salt to taste.

Notes

Use rice flour as gluten-free alternative to corn starch
Shallots or cherry tomatoes can replace yellow onion/regular tomato
Substitute 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for lemon juice if needed
For extra richness, stir in ghee substitute (optional)

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 850mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
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