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Butter Cauliflower

Butter Cauliflower

Butter Cauliflower is a crispy, buttery, and delicious vegetarian dish featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a rich, fragrant butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. With simple pantry ingredients, it transforms mild cauliflower into a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s both vegetarian and versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Toasted almonds or cashews (for nutty twist)
  • Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower into evenly sized bite-sized florets. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is essential to achieving a crispy texture during cooking.
  2. Cook the Cauliflower: Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the cauliflower florets and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they develop golden brown edges and become tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Make the Butter Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and freshly minced garlic. Sauté gently until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to form a fragrant, flavorful base.
  4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked cauliflower to the pan and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly with the rich butter sauce. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the cauliflower, then toss again to evenly distribute the brightness throughout the dish.

Notes

  • Pat cauliflower florets dry before cooking to ensure crispiness.
  • For extra richness, substitute butter with ghee.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning.
  • Adjust red chili powder according to preferred spice level.
  • Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, sautéed cauliflower, buttery cauliflower recipe, gluten free appetizer