Rukmini Iyer's Cauliflower and Butter Bean Malai Curry 2026

Rukmini Iyer's cauliflower and butter bean malai curry is a comforting, creamy tomato-based dish that's perfect for a meat-free dinner. The recipe, which serves two today and two tomorrow, roasts cauliflower in spices before simmering it in a rich sauce with butter beans.

This curry is simple to make, with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes. It's a great way to get more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Why This Cauliflower and Butter Bean Malai Curry Works

The key to this dish is roasting the cauliflower with turmeric, cumin, and sea salt. This brings out its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that you wouldn't get from simply boiling it.

The sauce is made with a base of onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices including crushed red chillies, black peppercorns, and cinnamon. Tinned tomatoes and a jar of butter beans (not drained) are added, along with a splash of single cream to create a rich, velvety texture.

Adjusting the salt and lemon juice at the end is crucial—it brightens all the flavors and makes the dish sing. Chilli lovers can increase the crushed red chillies from one teaspoon to two or more for extra heat.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the cauliflower: one large cauliflower, three tablespoons of neutral oil, two teaspoons each of ground turmeric and ground cumin, and two teaspoons of flaky sea salt.

For the sauce: one large onion, two garlic cloves, a 5cm piece of fresh ginger, one teaspoon of crushed dried red chillies, one teaspoon of black peppercorns (finely ground), half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a 400g tin of chopped tomatoes, a 700g jar of butter beans (not drained), 100ml single cream, and the juice of half a lemon.

Serve with rice, parathas, or flatbreads.

Step-by-Step Method

Roast the Cauliflower

Preheat the oven to 220C (200C fan)/425F/gas 7. Toss the cauliflower florets with a tablespoon of oil and a teaspoon each of turmeric, cumin, and sea salt. Roast for 20 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

Make the Sauce

While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining oil in a large pan. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic, ginger, chillies, peppercorns, and cinnamon. Cook for a minute until fragrant.

Add the remaining turmeric and cumin, then pour in the chopped tomatoes and butter beans with their liquid. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.

Combine and Finish

Stir in the roasted cauliflower, cream, and lemon juice. Simmer for a few minutes, then taste and adjust the salt and lemon juice as needed. Serve hot with rice or flatbreads.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use a good-quality jar of butter beans for the best texture and flavor; if using tinned, simmer them for an extra 10 minutes.
• Don't skip roasting the cauliflower—it adds a nutty depth that makes the dish special.
• Adjust the chilli to your taste: start with one teaspoon and add more if you like heat.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This curry is versatile. You can add spinach or other greens in the last few minutes of cooking. For a vegan version, replace the cream with coconut milk.

Serve with basmati rice, parathas, or naan bread. It also works well with a side of pickles or chutney.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

If you enjoy this cauliflower curry, you might also like our Aloo Gobi: Easy Indian Cauliflower Potato Curry, Dry-Spiced, which offers a drier, spicier take on cauliflower.

For a different twist on cauliflower, try our Cauliflower Migas Recipe: A Surprising Spanish Classic, a flavorful Spanish dish that's perfect for breakfast or brunch.

If you're looking for a quick and healthy side, our Cauliflower Rice Recipe: Healthy Low-Carb Spanish Side is a great option.

For a crispy snack, check out our Air Fryer Cauliflower Recipe: Crispy Spiced Golden Bites.

And if you prefer a refreshing salad, our Cauliflower Salad Recipe: Sweet, Salty and Ready in 10 Minutes is a must-try.

For a hearty main, try our Cauliflower Steaks Recipe: Easy Oven Roasted with Spices.