Cauliflower Peas (Indian-Style) is a cozy, home-style dish where tender cauliflower and sweet green peas are sautéed and steam cooked with aromatic spices. Simple, flavorful, and perfectly warming, it’s a classic comfort curry that pairs beautifully with rice or roti.
Servings 4portions
Course Accompaniment, Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Ingredients
2tbspOlive Oil
1CauliflowerWhole
1cupGreen peas
1tspCumin Seeds
1tbspGinger Juliennes
1cupOnionsDiced
1/2cupTomato PureeOr 2 diced tomatoes
2tspCoriander Powder
1/2tspTurmeric Powder
1/2tspDried Fenugreek Leaves
1/2tspSaltAdjust to taste
Method
Preparation
Stem and core the cauliflower and cut it into flowerets. A medium cauliflower should yield about 4 cups of flowerets.
If you’re using frozen peas thaw them first by soaking in water, replacing the water a couple times.
Cooking
Heat the oil and add the cumin seeds.
When the cumin seeds start to sizzle add the onions.
When the onions start to turn brown add the ginger.
Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the ginger is cooked and add the tomatoes and all the spices.
Mix well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes are cooked. See recipe note on checking if tomatoes are done.
Add the cauliflower, peas and salt. Mix well so that the all the flowerets and peas are coated in the sauce. Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat, add 1 tbsp of water and cover the pan and cook until it is ready (about 15 minutes) stirring occasionally.
Turn off the heat when the cauliflower is tender-crisp. Add the Dried Fenugreek Leaves (optional, but recommended) and mix well. See recipe notes on how to check if the cauliflower is done.
How to tell the tomatoes are cooked: If you’re using tomato puree, you’ll notice the oil separating from the mixture, a clear sign that the tomatoes have cooked through. With fresh diced tomatoes, they will soften, break down, and lose their shape, creating a rich, cohesive base for the dish.How to tell if the cauliflower is tender-crisp: The cauliflower should remain firm and hold its shape without wilting, even when fully cooked. You can test by gently poking a floret with a fork — it should pierce easily but still feel slightly firm at the core. Maintaining this tender-crisp texture ensures that each bite has a satisfying crunch while soaking up the flavors of the spices.Extra tip: To enhance the flavor, sauté the cauliflower briefly before adding it to the spiced tomato base. This brings out a subtle nutty aroma and helps prevent the florets from becoming too soft.