Cauliflower Masala Recipe – Easy & Flavorful Indian Curry
Updated: December 2024 | MyPhonePaintings
About Cauliflower Masala
Cauliflower Masala is a popular Indian curry made with tender cauliflower florets cooked in a spicy, rich gravy made from tomatoes, onions, and a variety of aromatic spices. This vegan-friendly, gluten-free dish is flavorful, satisfying, and perfect to pair with rice, roti, or naan. It’s a simple and comforting curry, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. The beauty of this dish lies in the balance of spices and the tenderness of the cauliflower.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
How to Make Cauliflower Masala (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to make a delicious and flavorful Cauliflower Masala at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Wash and cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets. You can blanch the florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes if you prefer them to be softer.
Step 2: Saute the Onions
Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Tomato Gravy
Next, add the pureed tomatoes, turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, red chili powder, and salt to the pan. Stir well and cook the mixture until the oil begins to separate from the masala (about 5-6 minutes).
Step 4: Add Cauliflower and Simmer
Now, add the cauliflower florets to the pan. Mix them well with the masala to coat the florets with the spices. Add 1/2 cup of water, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
Step 5: Add Garam Masala and Creaminess
Once the cauliflower is cooked, stir in the garam masala and coconut milk (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to blend. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Cauliflower Masala hot with steamed basmati rice, roti, naan, or paratha. Enjoy this delicious and hearty dish with your favorite Indian flatbread or rice!
FAQs
Can I make Cauliflower Masala in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! The flavors tend to improve after resting, so feel free to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat on low heat before serving.
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as frozen cauliflower tends to cook faster than fresh ones.
How can I make Cauliflower Masala spicier?
If you like your curry spicy, you can add more red chili powder or chopped green chilies to the gravy. Additionally, you can increase the quantity of garam masala for a more intense flavor.
What can I use instead of coconut milk?
If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream, cashew cream, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk. For a richer texture, opt for heavy cream.
Can I add other vegetables to Cauliflower Masala?
Yes! This dish can be easily customized. You can add peas, potatoes, or carrots to the curry along with the cauliflower for a more hearty and diverse dish.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! This Cauliflower Masala is naturally vegan. Just use plant-based oil or ghee and skip the coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free alternative. The recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it entirely plant-based with these small adjustments.
Can I make this dish in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this dish in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for a quicker cooking time. Simply sauté the onions and spices, then add the cauliflower and cook for 2-3 whistles in the pressure cooker or 5 minutes in the Instant Pot on pressure cook mode.
How do I prevent the cauliflower from becoming mushy?
To avoid mushy cauliflower, do not overcook it. Simmer it until it’s just tender. If you’re using frozen cauliflower, keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t get too soft.
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