Obviously, this is a vegetarian version of the classic chicken butter masala but the cauliflower is roasted instead of sauteed. It is made with an onion tomato gravy and finished with cream. The ending result does depend on the spices you use and there are many. This recipe came to me from Food52 and as often happens the recipes are quite original and unique. I’m often introduced to a new “face” in the cooking world and I am always interested in learning about them.
The author, Chetna Makan is a creative baker, passionate cook and the author of 5 cookbooks. She was born in Jabalpur, India where she finished college, worked in Mumbai and then moved to the UK in 2004. She’s been there ever since. After being in the semi-finals of the Great Britain Bake Off 2014 gave her the confidence to try new combinations of flavors. She has put her own twist (healthier too) on this popular curry.

Chetna Makan's Cauliflower Butter Masala
- 2 tbsp. sunflower oil (I used canola oil)
- 4 tbsp. salted butter, divided
- 1 cinnamon stick (2-3-inches long)
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cardamon pods
- 1 tsp. cumin seeds
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled and finely minced
- 1 (14 oz.) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground tumeric
- 1 tsp. garam masala
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 tbsp. kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 1 tsp. honey (I used clover honey)
- 3 tbsp. heavy cream
Heat the oil and 2 tbsp. of butter in a large skillet; add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, cardamom pods and cumin. I would place these 4 ingredients in a cheesecloth bag so you can remove them easily at the end of the cooking time. Sizzle for a few minutes, then add the onions and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes or until the onions turn brown. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
Stir in the tomatoes, salt and 1 cup of water. Cover and cook on low for 25 minutes.
While the mixture is cooking on top of your stove roast the cauliflower (below) in a preheated 400 degree oven.
Add the turmeric, garam masala, coriander, fenugreek, honey and 1 cup of water to the simmering tomato mixture and stir well.
Add the roasted cauliflower, stir again to coat, then cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, Adjust any seasonings…
Stir in the heavy cream and remaining 2 tbsp. of butter, stirring to combine.
Serve with naan, rice or both to soak up the wonderful sauce!
Cauliflower:
- 1 large cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp. sunflower oil (I used canola oil)
Combine all of the ingredients and mix well. Spread out on a sheet pan sprayed with Pam and roast for 20 minutes in a 400 degree oven.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com







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It looks and sounds delicious — meat or not. Hugs on the wing!
Thanks Teagan – it’s the sauce that counts 🙂
Great to have another tasty and aromatic way of using cauliflower. Will definitely keep this in mind for when I need a vegetarian entree. 🙂
Yes, I have so many cauliflower recipes and it’s nice to post a vegetarian version of this favorite curry 🙂
Thanks for the introduction to Chetna and a very different way of preparing cauliflower.
You’re welcome Bernadette – I have almost 1300 posts so I am always looking for different twists especially when I get to use a favorite ingredient such as cauliflower 🙂
Yum, yummy, yumolicious. 😋🌿