This Vegan Cauliflower Coconut Curry is super flavorful, delicious, healthy and easy to make in instant pot pressure cooker or stovetop just under 30 minutes.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 5 minutes
  • Total time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil ((Or olive oil))
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon cumin (jeera) seeds
  • 1 large onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomatoes (crushed (about 1.5 cups))
  • 1 can (14 oz) full fat coconut milk ((about 1.5 cups))
  • 1 large head cauliflower (cut into medium size florets (about 5 cups))
  • salt (adjust to taste)
  • juice of half lemon
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro (coriander leaves)

Dry Spices

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala powder

Method

Instant Pot Method:

  1. Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Add coconut oil to the POT. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and let cumins splutter.
  2. Then add onions, ginger-garlic paste, and saute until onions turn light brown for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Next, add the crushed tomatoes along with the juice or tomato puree/sauce, full-fat coconut milk, and dry spices like red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, coriander powder, salt, cauliflower florets, and stir well.
  4. Ensure to Deglaze the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck bits. If you think the mixture is too thick, add 1/2 cup of water to this (I did not add extra water).
  5. Furthermore, Close the lid on the pot. Select 0 minutes on MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) OR select Manual 2 minutes for low pressure.
  6. Once the pot beeps, Quick release the pressure manually.
  7. Lastly, Squeeze some fresh lemon juice and garnish with cilantro. Don't worry if the curry is a too liquid consistency. Instead, turn on SAUTE mode again and boil the curry for 2-3 minutes or until you get the desired consistency.
  8. Indian Style Instant Pot Cauliflower Coconut Curry recipe is ready. Serve hot with basmati rice, jeera rice, or quinoa.

Stovetop Pot Method:

  1. Heat oil in a pot, Once the oil, is hot add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and let cumin splutter.
  2. Then add onions, ginger-garlic paste, and saute until onions turn light brown for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Next add the crushed tomatoes along with the juice or tomato puree or sauce, full-fat coconut milk, and dry spices like red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, coriander powder, salt, cauliflower florets, and stir well.
  4. Cover the lid and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower softens and absorbs the flavors.
  5. Lastly, squeeze fresh lemon juice and garnish with cilantro. Serve Indian style Cauliflower Curry hot with basmati rice or quinoa.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.