Cauliflower curry is a beloved staple in Indian households, cherished for its comforting flavors and nutritious qualities. This vibrant dish combines tender cauliflower florets simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato-based gravy infused with traditional Indian spices.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a curious food lover, this recipe offers a perfect balance of warmth, spice, and earthiness that will satisfy your cravings for wholesome vegetarian cuisine.
Cauliflower curry is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a centerpiece for a festive dinner. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste.
Plus, the ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, so you probably already have everything you need to create this delicious dish. Join me as we explore the authentic flavors of India through this delightful cauliflower curry recipe and a few other popular Indian vegetable curry dishes that you’ll adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cauliflower curry recipe is a wonderful introduction to Indian cooking for several reasons:
- Simple ingredients: Most of the spices and vegetables are pantry staples.
- Healthy and nutritious: Cauliflower is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Customizable heat level: You can adjust the spice to suit your palate.
- Comfort food: The creamy, spiced gravy is perfect for cozy meals.
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly: Easy to adapt for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee for richer flavor
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- 1 green chili, slit (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
Equipment
- Large skillet or deep pan
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Blender or food processor (optional, for pureeing tomatoes)
- Serving bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into medium-sized florets. Set aside.
- Heat oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
- Temper the seeds: Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot oil. When they start to sizzle and pop, proceed to the next step.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This step is key to building flavor.
- Add garlic, ginger, and green chili: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spices: Mix in turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and ground cumin. Stir well to coat the onions and release the spices’ aroma.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the pureed or finely chopped tomatoes. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add cauliflower florets: Toss the cauliflower into the pan, stirring to coat with the tomato and spice mixture.
- Add water and simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup of water or vegetable broth. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.
- Add coconut milk and garam masala: Stir in the coconut milk for a creamy texture (optional). Sprinkle garam masala over the curry and mix gently. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and spice levels as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like roti or naan.
Tips & Variations
Tip: To avoid a mushy curry, ensure you don’t overcook the cauliflower. It should be tender but still hold its shape.
You can customize this curry in several ways:
- For a richer taste, use ghee instead of vegetable oil.
- Add other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or carrots for a mixed vegetable curry.
- Substitute coconut milk with yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) during the tempering step for authentic aroma.
- Use kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) sprinkled at the end for a subtle herbal note.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 5 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Vitamin C | 70% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Cauliflower curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian staples. Serve it alongside steaming hot basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice (cumin rice) for a satisfying meal.
It also goes well with Indian breads like roti, naan, or parathas to scoop up the luscious gravy. For a complete feast, accompany it with cooling raita or a fresh cucumber salad.
Try pairing it with other delicious recipes like Muthiya Kadhi Recipe or explore different meat options such as Lamb Tenderloin Recipes for non-vegetarian friends.
Cauliflower Curry and More Indian Veg Recipes
Indian cuisine offers a treasure trove of flavorful vegetable curries, each with its unique blend of spices and textures. Here are some of the most beloved Indian vegetable curries to add to your cooking repertoire:
Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
This dry curry combines cauliflower and potatoes with turmeric, cumin, and coriander for a comforting and hearty dish. It’s perfect as a side or a main when paired with flatbread.
Baingan Bharta (Smoky Mashed Eggplant)
Roasted eggplant mashed and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and spices delivers a smoky, tangy flavor that’s a favorite at Indian dinner tables.
Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)
A protein-packed curry featuring chickpeas simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce with a robust spice mix. It’s ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Palak Paneer (Spinach and Cheese Curry)
Fresh spinach cooked with cubes of paneer cheese in a lightly spiced gravy. This creamy dish is a nutritional powerhouse and a crowd-pleaser.
Bhindi Masala (Okra Curry)
Okra sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and spices until tender and flavorful. A great side dish to accompany rice or roti.
Explore more Indian vegetable curry recipes on our site to expand your culinary skills and enjoy the diversity of this rich cuisine.
Conclusion
Cauliflower curry is a vibrant and nutritious dish that beautifully captures the essence of Indian cooking. With its simple ingredients, bold spices, and comforting flavors, it’s an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tweak the spice levels or add other vegetables to suit your taste.
Beyond being delicious, cauliflower curry offers a healthy option packed with fiber and vitamins. Whether served on its own or alongside your favorite Indian breads and rice, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.
For more exciting recipes and culinary inspiration, don’t forget to check out our other dishes such as Horse Cough Syrup Recipe and Halibut Dip Recipe.
Happy cooking and savor every bite of this delightful Indian cauliflower curry!
📖 Recipe Card: Cauliflower Curry – Veg Recipes of India
Description: A flavorful and aromatic cauliflower curry made with traditional Indian spices. Perfect as a side dish or main course served with rice or roti.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
- Mix turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add cauliflower florets and stir well to coat with spices.
- Pour water, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 22 g
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