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Butter Cauliflower

Butter Cauliflower

Butter Cauliflower is a creamy, rich, and irresistible vegetarian dish featuring tender cauliflower florets in a luscious buttery sauce. This easy recipe combines fresh cauliflower, butter, garlic, and cream (or coconut milk) to create a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making it an ideal comfort food that’s versatile, adaptable, and great for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium fresh cauliflower head, rinsed and cut into florets
  • 34 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes or diced chili (for spicy version)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (for cheesy upgrade)
  • Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or dill (for herb variations)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Rinse the cauliflower under cold water and trim it into evenly sized florets to ensure uniform cooking, maintaining tenderness and structure.
  2. Cook the Cauliflower: Steam or blanch the florets for 5-7 minutes until just tender but still crisp to avoid mushiness and help the cauliflower absorb the buttery sauce.
  3. Sauté the Garlic in Butter: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned, releasing the delicious aroma.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked cauliflower to the skillet, pour in the cream or coconut milk, and gently stir to coat. Simmer for a few minutes so the sauce thickens and infuses the florets.
  5. Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten the flavors. Toss in fresh herbs if desired and mix gently before serving.

Notes

  • Choose fresh cauliflower to avoid bitterness and mushy texture.
  • Do not overcook the florets; tender-crisp texture is ideal.
  • Use unsalted butter to better control salt levels.
  • Cook garlic gently over medium heat to prevent bitterness and enhance sweetness.
  • Add acidity (lemon juice or vinegar) at the end to brighten the dish.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze in single-serving portions for longer storage; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat gently over low heat, adding cream or water if needed to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter Cauliflower, creamy cauliflower, vegetarian side dish, easy cauliflower recipe, buttery sauce, gluten free, vegan options