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.
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!
SA says
It says 0 minutes for the instant pot cook time. Did you mean 10 minutes? I set it for 10 mins and it came out quite flavorful, but a bit watery
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi, nope I mean 0 minutes – cauliflower cooks very quickly – so it’ll cook in the time it takes to reach pressure. If your model doesn’t allow you to set it for 0 minutes, you can do 1 minute.
Rekha says
Hi Ashley, how many cups of cauliflower florets would you estimate this calls for as written? Trying to figure out if I need to increase the amount of spices based on 8 cups of florets.
Nikita says
Can you use frozen cauliflower in this recipe?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Nikita, I haven’t tried this with frozen cauliflower so I’m not sure – my only concern would be that the texture of the cauliflower may not be as firm as if you were to use fresh, though the flavor would be the same. Let me know how it goes if you try 🙂
Anne Frances Pugh says
Heck yes yummy!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Anne, I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you!
Kelsey says
This was a nice tasty side dish. I gave it four stars because it seemed a little lacking on it’s own. I ended up mixing it with some leftover chicken and a Cucumber vinegar salad. The combination really worked with the acidity. I made the recipe as stated but used anise seeds instead of fennel. Fairly easy and tasty 🙂
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Kelsey, I’m glad you liked it. Just so you know though, this is a side dish as it’s just cauliflower. With Indian food, you typically serve several dishes, so it’s good you paired it with other dishes.
Julie J says
This was really good! I used a can of diced tomatoes in place of fresh. My husband doesn’t really like cauliflower but it’s my favorite vegetable, so he agreed to try it with an Indian twist, and we both enjoyed your recipe! I think it’s even better the next day, and the fennel seeds rocked my world.
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Julie, I’m so glad you made and liked this so much! Thanks for letting me know how it turned out for you and your husband!
Pauline Dennis says
I can find Fenugreek where I live. Can I make it without it? Wilmot change the taste of the dish?
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Hi Pauline, you can leave it out – it’ll still be good. If you’re able to order it online though then I would.
Margaret Wilson says
Do you usually put in Paprika or Kashmiri chili powder . And if paprika sweet or smoked?
My Heart Beets says
Hi Margaret, I use them interchangeably – for paprika, use sweet, not smoked.
HS says
Serves how many?
My Heart Beets says
It depends on what else you’re serving but I’d say 2-3.