Masala Cauliflower (Instant Pot and Stovetop)

We’re smothering cauliflower in masala! This masala gobi is made with cauliflower (of course), caramelized onions, ripe tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and spices. You can make this dish in an instant pot or on the stovetop.

I realize that it’s a bit uncommon to be sharing an Indian recipe where cauliflower is flying solo. It’s usually served with its partner in crime (Aloo alias, Potato). But sometimes you don’t want the heaviness that comes with potatoes. Choosing to make masala gobi will have you feeling like you’re making good decisions in life. It’s light, yet filling and so flavorful that you won’t feel like you’re missing anything.

It’s the spices in the masala that really make this dish. Cauliflower is the main ingredient, but we all know cauli is just a vehicle for flavor, right? I mean cauliflower on its own sort of tastes like nothing. That’s why it needs masala.

Please know that I say this with nothing but love for cauliflower. ❤️ I think cauliflower is wonderful, magical even… at soaking up other flavors.

And the flavors in this masala? Oh my, where do I start. First, we’re going to infuse some oil with cumin seeds and fennel seeds, the latter adding a slightly sweet, licorice-like taste to the masala. Then we’re adding garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and a good amount of coriander, which will help brighten up the masala with its lemony flavor.

Now, there is one ingredient listed below that may be tricky to find: kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves). You can find dried fenugreek leaves at any Indian grocery store or on amazon. Kasoori or Kasuri methi leaves are known to have a slightly bitter taste, but when you use them in small amounts it can help enhance the flavor of your dish. I think this ingredient really adds something special to the dish – makes it more “restaurant-like.”

Masala gobi makes for a great side to any meal. Whenever I make this dish, my husband will without fail, tell me that he enjoyed the cauliflower more than anything else on his plate. I never really know how to take his “compliment,” but I know he means well, so I usually let it slide. 😂

If you’re looking for a meal idea, serve this masala gobi with any type of dal and a side of plain basmati rice or jeera rice.

Masala Cauliflower (Masala Gobi)

Masala Cauliflower (Masala Gobi)

4.87 from 15 reviews

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Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

 

• ▢ 1 medium or large cauliflower cut into florets
• ▢ 2 tablespoons oil of choice
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• ▢ ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• ▢ 1 onion diced
• ▢ 4 teaspoons minced garlic
• ▢ 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• ▢ 1 serrano pepper or green chili minced
• ▢ 2 ripe Roma tomatoes chopped

Spices

• ▢ 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri chili powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon kasoori methi dried fenugreek leaves
• ▢ ½ teaspoon garam masala
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons water or 6 tablespoons of water
• ▢ Cilantro leaves garnish

Instructions

 

Instant Pot Directions:

• Press sauté, add oil and once it heats up, add cumin and fennel seeds. When the seeds begin to splutter, add the onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they start to brown.
• Add garlic, ginger, and green chili and sauté for a minute, then add the chopped tomatoes and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they soften. 
• Add the water and cauliflower and mix well. Pour the spices on top of the cauliflower (don’t mix - this prevents spices from burning).
• Secure the lid, close the valve and cook for “0” minutes  (the cauliflower will cook in the amount of time it takes to reach pressure).
• Quick-release pressure.
• Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!

Stovetop Directions:

• In a pan, heat oil and add cumin and fennel seeds. Once the seeds begin to splutter, add the onions.
• When the onions turn golden, add ginger, garlic, and serrano/green chili, stir, then add the tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes become soft.
• Add the spices, stir, then add the cauliflower florets and water and mix well.
• Cover the pot with a lid and cook on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower reaches your desired level of tenderness.
• Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!

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