*This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
Cauliflower Tikka Masala: This vegetarian Indian cauliflower curry boasts an authentic taste that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of India.
Cauliflower Tikka Masala is a delightful twist on the beloved Indian Paneer Tikka Masala. Imagine cauliflower florets marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a blend of Indian spices, then roasted to perfection in the oven.
Then, these roasted beauties are bathed in a spicy, tangy Indian sauce! This curry is traditionally garnished with cilantro and served with rice or Naan bread as a main course.
Cauliflower Tikka Masala is incredibly tasty, spicy, creamy, and hot. If you’re not a fan of heat or cooking for the family, simply skip the cayenne pepper in the recipe and consider reducing the garlic and ginger amounts.
Why You’ll Love This Curry
The rich flavor of this dish primarily comes from Garam Masala, an Indian spice blend. You can make your own Garam Masala with this recipe or find it ready-made in well-stocked supermarkets or spice shops, though it’s often only available in larger stores.
Cauliflower Tikka Masala is also a popular vegan alternative to the traditional Tikka Masala curry. My recipe can be prepared vegetarian or vegan by substituting Greek yogurt with a vegan alternative (I recommend soy yogurt). For cream, I often use soy or oat cream, which tastes great and offers a lovely consistency. I advise against using coconut milk as it can alter the flavor of the dish.
Let me now show you how to bring the best India flavors into your home with this Cauliflower Tikka Masala recipe!
Ingredients
See recipe card for quantities.
Visual Step-by-Step Instructions
This visual step-by-step instruction will help you along the way – definitely recommended if you’re a cooking beginner!
- Roasted Cauliflower: Trim, wash, and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. In a bowl, mix yogurt, oil, garlic, ginger, and the remaining spices for the roasted cauliflower. Add the cauliflower florets and toss well!
- Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Tikka Masala: Heat a pan with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onion and sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 30 seconds. Add the spices, and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add tomato passata and water, let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Season with cream and sugar. Stir in the roasted cauliflower and let it warm up.
- Serve in a bowl and garnish with cilantro (optional). It pairs well with jasmine rice, basmati rice, roti, or warm naan bread. Hint: If the Tikka Masala is too spicy, serve with some yogurt on the side!
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stays fresh for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a frying pan with a little water!
More Indian Recipes
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below.
Please follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook or sign up for my free newsletter to never miss the newest recipes. I would be thrilled to welcome you to my community & thank you so much for your support!
📖 Recipe
Cauliflower Tikka Masala
Click on the stars to leave a vote!
Ingredients
Roasted Cauliflower
- 28 oz (800 g) cauliflower in florets
- 1⅝ cup (150 g) Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 small clove garlic grated
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 2 tsp garam masala spice mix see notes
- ½ tsp smoked paprika or paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper omit if you don't like it hot
Tikka Masala
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion minced
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 2 tbsp garam masala spice mix remaining mix if homemade according to the notes
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper omit if you don't like it hot
- 1 x14 oz can (400 g) tomato passata
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream or dairy-free cream (soy or oat)
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
- Roasted Cauliflower: Trim, wash, and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. In a bowl, mix yogurt, oil, garlic, ginger, and the remaining spices for the roasted cauliflower. Add the cauliflower florets and toss well!
- Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Tikka Masala: Heat a pan with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onion and sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 30 seconds. Add the spices, and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add tomato passata and water, let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Season with cream and sugar. Stir in the roasted cauliflower and let it warm up.
- Serve in a bowl and garnish with cilantro (optional). It pairs well with jasmine rice, basmati rice, roti, or warm naan bread. You can also serve some yogurt on the side!
Notes
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsp ground coriander
- 1 ½ tsp ground cardamom
- 1 ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp clove powder
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
