Butter Cauliflower Bowls


Butter Cauliflower Bowls


Butter Cauliflower Bowls offer a delicious vegetarian alternative to the classic Indian Butter Chicken. By using cauliflower, this recipe maintains the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors while adding a nutritious twist. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to making Butter Cauliflower Bowls.

Ingredients:

For the Cauliflower:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • Salt to taste

For the Butter Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a vegan option
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Procedure:

1. Preparing the Cauliflower:

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt until well-coated.
  3. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and slightly crispy.

2. Preparing the Butter Sauce:

  1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter or ghee over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the raw tomato smell disappears.
  5. Add the tomato sauce, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar if needed.

3. Combining the Cauliflower and Butter Sauce:

  1. Add the roasted cauliflower florets to the butter sauce and gently stir to coat the cauliflower evenly.
  2. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

4. Serving:

  1. Serve the Butter Cauliflower over a bed of steamed basmati rice or with naan bread.
  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

5. Optional Additions:

  1. For added texture and protein, you can include cooked chickpeas or paneer cubes in the dish.
  2. A side of raita or a fresh salad complements the richness of the Butter Cauliflower Bowls.

Tips for Perfect Butter Cauliflower Bowls:

  • Roasting the Cauliflower: Ensure the cauliflower is evenly coated with spices and oil before roasting. This helps in achieving a crispy texture.
  • Cream Substitute: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or skip it altogether for a tomato-based sauce.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the red chili powder according to your heat preference. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder.
  • Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.

Conclusion:

Butter Cauliflower Bowls are a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your table. The rich, creamy sauce paired with the roasted cauliflower creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Enjoy this dish with your favorite side dishes and relish the taste of this vegetarian delight.