Name: Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tsp corn starch; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground turmeric, divided; 3 tsp garam masala, divided; 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided; 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 yellow onion finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves minced; 2 tsp freshly grated ginger (substitute ground ginger if needed); 2 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); 1 8-oz can tomato sauce; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream (substitute full-fat canned coconut milk for a dairy-free option); Basmati rice; Fresh cilantro; Whole-milk Greek yogurt for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 42 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try my Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry Recipe. This curry is a total crowd-pleaser with its luscious sauce and tender cauliflower that’s just begging to be scooped up with fluffy basmati rice. Honestly, I’ve made this more times than I can count because it’s just that good and surprisingly simple—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without fuss.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The interplay of warming spices like garam masala and turmeric with fresh lemon juice brightens the rich, buttery sauce perfectly.
Texture Play: Roasting the cauliflower first gives you those delicious charred edges while keeping the inside nice and tender.
Creamy Finish: Using heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free swap) creates a luxurious, silky sauce that coats every bite wonderfully.
Simple Pantry Staples: No need to hunt for exotic ingredients—the spices and basics are staples you might already have on hand.

Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry, flavorful vegetable curry, easy cauliflower curry recipe, vegetarian curry with butter, quick Indian-inspired curry - A close-up view of a black cast iron pan filled with thick, smooth orange-red curry sauce as the base layer, with several golden-brown roasted cauliflower florets partially submerged in the sauce, their charred edges adding texture and depth; fresh bright green cilantro leaves are scattered on top across the dish, adding a pop of color and freshness. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry Recipe was chosen to create a dish that’s deeply flavorful and satisfying, without overwhelming your kitchen or wallet. The combination of warm spices, fresh aromatics, and creamy elements creates harmony in every spoonful.

Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a hint of acidity that balances the richness of butter and cream.
Corn starch: Helps the spices cling to the cauliflower, enhancing flavor and creating a slight glaze.
Ground cumin, turmeric, and garam masala: Essential Indian spices that build the warm, earthy foundation of the curry.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skimp here!
Olive oil and unsalted butter: A beautiful fat combo for sautéing and enriching the sauce with creamy depth.
Cauliflower: Your sturdy star veggie that soaks up all the spices and sauce perfectly.
Yellow onion, garlic, and ginger: These aromatics create a flavorful base that’s crucial for any curry.
Tomato paste and tomato sauce: Add body, subtle sweetness, and that signature red hue without overpowering the dish.
Paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper: Layer on subtle smoky, sweet, and spicy notes to keep things interesting.
Vegetable broth: Provides the liquid body and umami to the curry without being heavy.
Heavy cream (or coconut milk): Delivers that luscious, silky texture and rounds off the spice.
Basmati rice: The perfect fragrant companion that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Fresh cilantro and Greek yogurt: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and cooling contrast to the warm spices.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to make this Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry Recipe my own by tweaking spice levels or swapping ingredients based on what’s in season or what I’m craving. Feel free to make this curry as mild or spicy as you’d like, and don’t hesitate to experiment with protein add-ins or garnish combos—I promise it’s forgiving and flexible.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is sautéing some chickpeas along with the cauliflower for extra protein and texture—it turns this into a heartier meal perfect for dinner guests or meal prep.
Dairy-free substitution: Using full-fat canned coconut milk instead of cream keeps it luscious and also vegan-friendly, which is great if you’re cooking for friends with dietary restrictions.
Spice level: I usually keep cayenne minimal for a gentle warmth, but if you love heat, ramp it up or add fresh chili for that extra kick.
Seasonal twist: Swap cauliflower for broccoli or add diced sweet potatoes in the same way for a fall-inspired version that’s just as comforting.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower with a Flavor Boost

Start by mixing fresh lemon juice, corn starch, cumin, half the turmeric, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl—this is going to form a spiced coating for your cauliflower. I like to chop the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they’re fairly uniform so they’ll cook evenly. Then brown the cauliflower in hot oil over medium-high heat until you see those beautiful golden spots—this step adds incredible flavor and texture. Toss the cauliflower in the spice mixture, then give it another quick sauté so every floret carries that seasoning. This hands-on step is where your curry starts to come alive, so take your time and enjoy the sizzle.

Step 2: Build Your Curry Base with Aromatics

Next, add the remaining oil and butter to your pan, then sauté diced onion until translucent and sweet—this usually takes about 8 minutes if you want to coax out maximum flavor. Then stir in minced garlic, freshly grated ginger (or ground if you’re in a pinch), and tomato paste—cooking these just a few minutes brings out their fragrance. This is where your kitchen starts smelling like a warm, inviting Indian restaurant. I always keep a close eye here so the garlic doesn’t burn, which can add bitterness.

Step 3: Spice It Up and Add Liquids

Add the remaining turmeric, most of the garam masala, salt, paprika, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for gentle heat. Cook just until the spices bloom—you’ll notice the aroma deepen. Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, which will make your curry unctuously creamy. Finally, nestle the sautéed cauliflower back into the sauce and let everything simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. This simmering step is where the magic happens, so resist the urge to rush!

Tips from My Kitchen

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Tips from My Kitchen

Dry Spices Blooming: Toasting your spices briefly before adding liquids enhances their aroma, but be careful not to burn them.
Cauliflower Texture: Don’t overcrowd your pan when browning cauliflower; it steams rather than chars, missing that flavorful crunch.
Cream Choices: If using coconut milk, shake the can well before opening and use full-fat for creaminess closest to heavy cream.
Simmer Patience: Let the curry simmer uncovered to thicken naturally—stir occasionally to prevent sticking but don’t rush this step.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this curry with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro because its brightness cuts through the richness beautifully. A dollop of whole-milk Greek yogurt on the side is my go-to for cooling off the warm spices, and it adds a luscious creaminess of its own. If you want to get fancy, a few toasted cashews on top add a lovely crunch and nutty dimension.

Side Dishes

This dish is practically made for fluffy basmati rice—it soaks up every last bit of that creamy curry sauce. For a heartier meal, I sometimes serve this alongside warm naan or garlic flatbreads. You can also add a side of roasted chickpeas or a simple cucumber raita for extra textures and flavors that balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this curry in individual small cast iron skillets, garnished with fresh cilantro and yogurt swirl, with grilled lemon wedges on the side—everyone loves the rustic yet elegant touch. You can also set up a curry bar with various garnishes and sides, so guests can customize their bowls, which always sparks fun food conversations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find the flavors actually intensify after a day, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just make sure to cool the curry before refrigerating to keep the texture and taste at their best.

Freezing

This Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry Recipe freezes well too—I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it holds up for up to 3 months. When freezing, avoid adding the yogurt garnish; instead, add it fresh when reheating for that perfect creamy contrast.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the curry on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating helps maintain the sauce’s silky texture and the cauliflower’s tenderness.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or additional olive oil, and swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. This keeps the curry just as creamy and flavorful without any dairy.
What can I serve instead of basmati rice?

If you’re not a rice fan, quinoa or cauliflower rice are great low-carb options. Naan bread or pita also pairs beautifully for dipping into the sauce.
How do I prevent the cauliflower from getting mushy?

Make sure to brown the cauliflower over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan—it’s important to get some charred spots for texture. Also, avoid overcooking during the simmer stage; a crisp-tender bite is the goal.
Can I prepare this curry in advance?

Yes, you can prepare most of the curry a day ahead. Reheat gently before serving, and add fresh cilantro and yogurt garnish just before eating for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butter Cauliflower Curry Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food that’s a bit special and definitely satisfying. It’s full of nuance from the spices and richness without being heavy. Cooking it feels like a little self-care, and sharing it with friends always earns lots of compliments. I really hope you give this one a try—it’s one of those recipes that’s easy to fall in love with and even easier to make again and again.