Cauliflower pepper masala
Cauliflower Pepper Masala is a semi-dry curry made with cauliflower and black pepper. The spices give it a strong and delicious taste. It is a popular dish in South Indian cuisine. You can serve them with rice, roti, or even as a side dish. The dish is made by sautéing cauliflower with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Freshly ground black pepper is the key ingredient that gives it a warm and spicy kick. It is a simple yet flavourful dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Ingredients
This dish uses common ingredients found in most Indian kitchens. Some of the main ingredients are:
Cauliflower – The star ingredient of the dish.
Black Pepper – Adds heat and bold flavour.
Onions & Tomatoes – Give a rich and tangy base.
Garlic & Ginger – Enhance the taste and aroma.
Curry Leaves – Add a traditional South Indian touch.
Spices – Turmeric, cumin, and garam masala bring depth to the dish.
Oil & Mustard Seeds – Used for tempering and flavouring.
These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both spicy and delicious.
How to Make Cauliflower Pepper Masala
The cauliflower is first blanched with turmeric and salt to remove dirt. It’s then sautéed with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, onions, and ginger-garlic paste and seasoned with turmeric, black pepper, coriander, and chilli powder. The result is a spicy and aromatic side dish that’s garnished with fresh cilantro and served hot.
This is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or as a star dish in a festive spread. Whether paired with steaming rice or fresh flatbreads, this dish promises a satisfying and memorable culinary experience.
Love our Cauliflower Pepper Masala? Try our comforting Spinach Dal – a hearty, flavorful blend of lentils and spinach, perfect for a wholesome meal!
Why You Should Try Cauliflower Pepper Masala
There are many reasons to try this dish:
It´s Healthy – Cauliflower is rich in vitamins and fibre.
Spicy and Flavourful – Black pepper gives it a bold taste.
Easy to Cook – Takes only a few minutes to prepare.
It Goes Well with Everything – You can eat this with rice, roti, or even as a side dish.
Cauliflower Pepper Masala is a simple yet tasty dish that is loved by many. It is spicy and easy to prepare. If you enjoy Indian flavours and spicy food, this dish is a must-try. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich flavours of cauliflower and pepper!
Explore our other delicious vegetarian dishes, packed with bold flavours and fresh ingredients!
Cauliflower pepper masala
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower cut into small florets (330 gms of florets)
- 2 tbsp oil vegetable or coconut oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 tomato
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- ¼ + ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp black pepper powder adjust to taste
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder adjust to taste
- ½ tsp fennel powder
- ½ tsp garam masala powder
- ¼ cup grated coconut optional
- 1 tsp ghee
- Water as needed
- Salt to taste
- A few curry leaves
- Fresh coriander leaves chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the ½ tsp turmeric powder and salt to the water. Stir to combine.
- Switch off the flame and carefully add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water. Let them aside for about 5-6 minutes.
- Now drain the cauliflower in a colander and keep them aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves. Let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and saute for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the ¼ tsp turmeric powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and salt. Add a splash of water if needed to avoid burning the masalas. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices release their flavours and the oil begins to separate.
- Add the chopped tomatoes. Cover and cook until the tomatoes are cooked.
- Grind coconut with water to a fine paste and add. However, this step is optional.
- Add the cauliflower, pepper powder, fennel powder, garam masala powder and mix well to coat the cauliflower with the spices.
- Add the water needed to cook the cauliflower. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and has absorbed the flavours.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked to your desired tenderness, open the pan and cook for a few minutes for the water to evaporate. Check the seasoning and adjust salt or spices as needed. Switch off the flame once it reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish with a teaspoon of ghee, fresh coriander leaves or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve the Cauliflower Pepper masala hot with rice, roti, or as a side dish with your meal. Lemon wedges on the side can add a fresh tang.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Cauliflower Pepper Masala is a flavourful and spicy Indian dish made with cauliflower, black pepper, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It is a semi-dry curry that pairs well with rice or roti.
The dish has a mild to medium spice level, depending on the amount of black pepper used. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the pepper quantity.
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used. However, fresh cauliflower gives better texture and flavour. If using frozen cauliflower, thaw it before cooking.
To reduce the spice level, use less black pepper and add a little coconut milk or yoghurt to balance the heat.
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove or microwave before serving.
It pairs well with steamed rice, jeera rice, chapati, paratha, or even dosa. You can enjoy them as a side dish with dal and sambar.
Yes, but black pepper gives a stronger and more authentic flavour to the dish. White pepper is milder in taste.
You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 1-2 days. Reheat before serving.
For extra flavour, add a squeeze of lemon juice, a handful of chopped coriander leaves, or a pinch of garam masala at the end of cooking.
