Butter Cauliflower And Chickpeas With Mint Cilantro Sauce

Butter cauliflower and chickpeas with mint cilantro sauce is a delightful vegetarian dish that combines the creaminess of butter sauce with the freshness of mint and cilantro. This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional butter chicken by incorporating cauliflower and chickpeas, making it both hearty and nutritious. The mint cilantro sauce adds a burst of flavor and brightens up the dish, making it perfect for any meal occasion.

Ingredients

For the Butter Cauliflower and Chickpeas:

• 1 cauliflower head, cut into florets
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mint Cilantro Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
• 1 green chili, chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons water (adjust consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mint Cilantro Sauce

1. Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh cilantro leaves, fresh mint leaves, green chili, garlic clove, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve a pourable sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Cauliflower and Chickpeas

1. Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they begin to sizzle. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add Spices: Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in pureed tomatoes, ground turmeric, ground coriander, and garam masala. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are cooked down and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
4. Add Cauliflower and Chickpeas: Add cauliflower florets and drained chickpeas to the pan. Stir well to coat them with the tomato-spice mixture.
5. Simmer: Cover the pan and let the cauliflower and chickpeas cook over medium-low heat for about 10-12 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Add Butter and Cream: Stir in butter and heavy cream. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Serve

1. Serve Hot: Transfer the butter cauliflower and chickpeas to a serving dish. Drizzle with the prepared mint cilantro sauce.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro leaves.
3. Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or crusty bread.

Tips for Success

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chili according to your spice preference.
• Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach the desired consistency.
• Make-Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors tend to develop more if allowed to sit for some time.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or peas to the dish for added color and texture.

Conclusion

Butter cauliflower and chickpeas with mint cilantro sauce is a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that brings together the flavors of creamy butter sauce, tender cauliflower, and hearty chickpeas. The mint cilantro sauce adds a refreshing twist, making it a standout meal for any occasion. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides or as a main course, and savor the rich flavors of Indian-inspired cuisine at home.