Introduction
If you’re in search of a delightful and flavorful dish, look no further than Butter Cauliflower and Chickpeas. This dish is a perfect blend of roasted cauliflower, hearty chickpeas, and a rich butter chicken sauce, complemented by a refreshing mint cilantro sauce. It’s not just delicious; it’s also vegan-friendly and packed with nutrients. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Butter Cauliflower and Chickpeas
1–2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 3 cups)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 jar of butter chicken sauce (24.5 ounces) or homemade
Mint Cilantro Sauce
1/4 cup packed mint leaves
1/4 cup packed cilantro
1/2 cup mayo or plain Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic
1 small chunk of jalapeño, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
Juice of 1 lime
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Roast the cauliflower
Toss the cauliflower florets with avocado oil, cumin, garam masala, curry powder, smoked paprika, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the florets are evenly coated with the spices and oil. Preheat your air fryer to 425°F and roast the cauliflower for about 20 minutes, or if using an oven, roast for 30 minutes. The cauliflower should be golden and tender.
Prepare the mint cilantro sauce
In a blender or food processor, add packed mint leaves, packed cilantro, mayo or plain Greek yogurt, garlic, and salt. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a small chunk of jalapeño. Squeeze in the juice of one lime. Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Cook the chickpeas in butter sauce
In a large skillet, pour in the jar of butter chicken sauce and heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the chickpeas, creating a variety of textures in the dish.
Combine and serve
Once the chickpeas are properly mixed with the sauce, add the roasted cauliflower to the skillet. Stir everything together until all ingredients are well combined. Serve the mixture over a bed of cooked rice. Drizzle the mint cilantro sauce over the top for added flavor. Optionally, garnish with pickled onions for an extra kick.
Notes
For a spicier sauce, consider adding more jalapeño or using a spicier butter chicken sauce. If you’re looking for a vegan option, substitute the mayo with vegan mayo or use additional Greek yogurt. Adjust the spices to match your taste preference, and keep an eye on the cauliflower while roasting to ensure it does not burn. Enjoy your meal!
Cook techniques
Roasting Cauliflower
Toss cauliflower florets in oil and spices, then roast at high heat until golden and tender. This technique enhances the flavor and texture of the cauliflower.
Making Mint Cilantro Sauce
Blend fresh herbs with yogurt or mayo, garlic, lime juice, and optional jalapeño for a flavorful sauce. Adjust salt to taste for balance.
Cooking Chickpeas
Heat sauce in a skillet and add chickpeas. Gently mash them for varied texture, allowing the chickpeas to absorb flavors from the sauce.
Combining Ingredients
Mix roasted cauliflower with chickpeas and sauce in a skillet. Stir gently to incorporate flavors before serving.
Serving with Rice
Serve the dish over cooked rice for a complete meal. Drizzle with mint cilantro sauce and consider adding pickled onions for extra flavor.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used, but adjust roasting time as it may require longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for avocado oil?
Olive oil or coconut oil are good alternatives for roasting the cauliflower.
Can I make the mint cilantro sauce in advance?
Yes, the mint cilantro sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Use a vegan butter chicken sauce and substitute yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.
How can I increase the spiciness of the dish?
Add more jalapeño or include red pepper flakes or cayenne powder in the chickpeas while cooking.
Conclusion
The Butter Cauliflower and Chickpeas dish is a flavorful and wholesome meal, perfectly balanced with the spicy, aromatic blend of spices and the creamy mint cilantro sauce. This dish not only caters to those looking for vegetarian options but also satisfies with its rich, comforting flavors. It’s a delightful combination that encourages experimentation with textures and tastes.
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