Description
This vegan butter cauliflower recipe features tender cauliflower florets marinated in a blend of coconut milk and Indian spices, pan-charred to perfection, and simmered in a rich, creamy vegan butter sauce made with coconut milk, tomato paste, and warm spices. A delicious plant-based take on classic butter cauliflower that’s better than takeout and perfect served with basmati rice or naan.
Ingredients
Marinated Cauliflower
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon Indian chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon curry powder
- Medium head of cauliflower, about 3 to 4 cups florets
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk (from the can, reserved before pouring)
- 3 teaspoons coconut oil
Vegan Butter Sauce
- 1½ tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon Indian chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 14 ounces coconut milk (1 can full-fat), minus 2 tablespoons used for marinating
- 6 ounces tomato paste (about half a 12-ounce can)
- Juice of one lime (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Marinate the Cauliflower: In a bowl, combine cauliflower florets with garam masala, ground ginger, Indian chili powder, curry powder, and 2 tablespoons of coconut milk. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Set aside or cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Pan-Char the Cauliflower: Heat 3 teaspoons of coconut oil in a pan over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated cauliflower and pan-char on all sides, cooking for about 5 minutes until the cauliflower is browned and crisped evenly. Remove cauliflower from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegan Butter Sauce: In the same pan, heat 1½ tablespoons of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent.
- Add Spices to Sauce: Stir in garam masala, Indian chili powder, sea salt, ground black pepper, and curry powder. Cook for about 30 seconds to let the spices bloom.
- Incorporate Coconut Milk and Tomato Paste: Pour in the coconut milk and add the tomato paste. Whisk or stir thoroughly for about 15 seconds to combine everything into a smooth sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Cauliflower with Sauce: Gently fold the charred cauliflower into the sauce to coat evenly.
- Simmer to Marinate: Reduce heat to low and simmer the cauliflower in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors fully. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve with basmati rice and naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the cauliflower to marinate for at least 15 minutes or longer if time permits.
- Use full-fat coconut milk to achieve the creamy texture in the sauce.
- You can adjust the Indian chili powder quantity to control the heat level.
- Optional garnishing with fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast.
- This dish pairs excellently with basmati rice and warm naan bread.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your naan is gluten-free or omit it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired