Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala

Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala

4 servings
This super easy, ultra creamy, and heavily spiced Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala recipe will be your new favorite weeknight dinner! So much flavor, so little effort. 

Ingredients

  • garam masala

    $0.60

    2 tbsp
  • cumin

    $0.05

    ½ tsp
  • turmeric

    $0.05

    ½ tsp
  • smoked paprika

    $0.05

    ½ tsp
  • cayenne*

    $0.02

    ¼ tsp
  • salt

    $0.02

    ½ tsp
  • Freshly Cracked Pepper

    $0.08

  • yellow onion

    $0.70

    1
  • garlic

    $0.12

    3 clove
  • fresh ginger

    $0.15

    ½ tbsp
  • olive oil

    $0.44

    2 tbsp
  • cauliflower florets**

    $1.28

    12 oz
  • 15oz. can chickpeas
    1
  • 15oz. can tomato sauce***

    $1.06

    1
  • water

    $0.00

    ¼ c
  • heavy cream****

    $0.40

    ⅓ c
  • salt

Directions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, combine the spices for the masala spice mix (garam masala, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper).

  2. 2

    Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Add all three to a large skillet along with the olive oil and sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the spice mix and continue to sauté for one more minute.

  3. 3

    Add the frozen cauliflower florets to the skillet with the aromatics and spices, and continue to sauté for about 5 minutes more, or until the cauliflower have thawed through and are completely coated in spices.

  4. 4

    Add the drained chickpeas, tomato sauce, and 1/4 cup water to the skillet. Stir to combine, then allow them to simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. This will help mellow the acidity of the tomato sauce and allow the spices to blend. If the mixture becomes too dry as it simmers, add a couple more tablespoons of water.

  5. 5

    After the sauce has simmered for 15 minutes, turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Give the masala a taste and add salt as needed. Serve in a bowl either over rice or with a piece of bread for dipping.

Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala

Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala

40 min4 servings307 cal

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About this Recipe

Creamy & Spicy Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

Get ready to discover your new go-to vegetarian weeknight dinner! This Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala recipe is nothing short of incredible – it's super easy to prepare, boasts an ultra creamy texture, and is packed with a heavily spiced, irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for more. In just 40 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table with minimal effort.

What makes this masala so special? It's the perfect blend of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne for that wonderful kick. These vibrant spices infuse every bite of tender cauliflower florets and hearty chickpeas, creating a truly satisfying experience. The addition of rich heavy cream at the end brings it all together, ensuring that luscious, velvety consistency.

This recipe is designed for ease, utilizing convenient ingredients like frozen cauliflower and canned chickpeas, making it a dream for busy evenings. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tips & Variations for Your Masala

  • Adjust the Spice: Love it extra spicy? Feel free to add a bit more cayenne pepper. Prefer it milder? Reduce or omit the cayenne altogether.
  • Add More Veggies: While cauliflower is the star, feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, green peas, or bell peppers during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
  • Make it Vegan: Easily transform this dish into a vegan cauliflower and chickpea masala by swapping the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk. It will add a lovely tropical note!
  • Serving Suggestions: This creamy masala is absolutely divine served over fluffy basmati rice or quinoa. Don't forget a side of warm naan bread or roti for scooping up every last drop of that amazing sauce!

Frequently Asked Questions