Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Curry Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry is a vibrant, hearty dish that celebrates the humble cauliflower in a spicy, flavorful way. It’s a great vegan meal packed with warm, aromatic spices and the comforting texture of cauliflower. The curry features a beautiful blend of ingredients like coconut milk, garlic, ginger and tomatoes, all of which come together to create a rich and satisfying sauce. What sets this curry apart is how Jamie uses simple ingredients to make something that feels a bit more indulgent. It’s one of those dishes where the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

This recipe is perfect for everyone. It’s simple to make and really highlights the versatility of cauliflower in a curry setting. It’s a fantastic way to make a comforting meal without needing meat.

Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Curry Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry:

• 1 large cauliflower – Broken into florets. The cauliflower serves as the base and main component of the dish, soaking up the flavors of the curry sauce.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the aromatics and adding richness.
• 1 onion – Chopped, it gives the dish a deep base flavor.
• 3 cloves of garlic. Minced for that fragrant, garlicky punch.
• A thumb-sized piece of ginger. Fresh ginger adds a spicy, zesty kick that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the coconut milk.
• 1-2 fresh green chilies. For heat (you can adjust to your spice tolerance).
• Ground turmeric – Adds both color and a subtle earthiness to the curry.
• Ground cumin – For a warm, slightly smoky undertone.
• Ground coriander – Complements the cumin with a citrusy, slightly floral note.
• Canned tomatoes – These form the base of the curry sauce and bring a slight sweetness.
• Coconut milk – For a creamy, rich texture.
• Fresh coriander (cilantro) – For garnishing, adding a fresh and zesty finish to the curry.
• Lemon or lime – A squeeze to add a bit of acid to balance out the richness.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning and balancing flavors.

Equipment Needed

The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t require anything too fancy. Here’s the basic equipment you’ll need:

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens. It needs to be big enough to cook the cauliflower and create the curry sauce.
• Knife and chopping board. For prepping all your ingredients.
• Grater or zester – To grate fresh ginger.
• Can opener – For opening the canned tomatoes and coconut milk.
• Ladle or spoon – To stir the curry and ensure the cauliflower is evenly coated with the sauce.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry

The process is fairly straightforward but it’s all about layering the flavors. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Prep your ingredients: Break the cauliflower into florets. Chop the onion, garlic, ginger and chilies. Grate the ginger if you’re using fresh. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and easy.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In your large saucepan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic, ginger and green chilies, cooking for another 2 minutes. This is where the base of the curry starts to develop.
3. Spices, go in next: Add the ground turmeric, cumin and coriander. Stir to coat the onions and let the spices cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the spices to “bloom”, intensifying their flavors.
4. Add the tomatoes: Pour in the canned tomatoes and let them cook down for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should break down and create a rich, flavorful sauce.
5. Coconut milk, time to shine: Pour in the coconut milk and bring everything to a simmer. This will make the curry creamy and give it that delicious, slightly sweet flavor. Stir it in well and let it cook for 10 minutes so the sauce thickens up slightly.
6. Cauliflower time: Add the cauliflower florets to the pan, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cauliflower will soften and absorb all the delicious flavors of the curry sauce.
7. Finish with fresh coriander: When the cauliflower is tender and the sauce has thickened, check the seasoning. Adjust with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Add the fresh coriander leaves, stir and remove from heat.
8. Serve and enjoy: Serve the cauliflower curry with rice, flatbread or even quinoa. Garnish with a few extra coriander leaves and a wedge of lemon or lime for that fresh zing.

What I Learnt

Cooking Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry was a delightful experience. What really stood out was how simple yet incredibly flavorful it was. The combination of ginger, garlic and spices like cumin and coriander creates a curry that feels authentic and comforting without being overwhelming.

I also realized that cauliflower is such an underrated vegetable in curry dishes. It soaks up all the curry’s flavors, turning each bite into a burst of spice and creaminess. The coconut milk isn’t just for texture; it adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the heat from the chilies.

Another thing I appreciated was how forgiving the recipe is. You can adjust the heat, add extra vegetables or play with different spices based on what you have. It’s versatile in that way which makes it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks alike.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry

Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry is already a flavor-packed dish but there’s always room for a little creativity. If you’re in the mood to switch things up, here are some fun tweaks you can make to elevate the dish:

1. Spice it up with fresh chilies: While the recipe calls for ground spices, adding fresh chilies (green or red) will bring an extra layer of heat and freshness. Just slice them thinly and stir them in toward the end to keep their vibrant kick.
2. Boost the creaminess: Want a richer texture? Swap the coconut milk for a mix of half coconut milk and half yogurt. It’ll give your curry a silky texture with a slightly tangy undertone that pairs perfectly with the cauliflower.
3. Add a protein: You could easily make this curry more substantial by adding chickpeas, lentils or even paneer. Chickpeas work really well because they soak up the spices and create a hearty, filling curry.
4. Herb power: While coriander is often used as a garnish, you can incorporate more fresh herbs into the base of the curry. A handful of fresh cilantro or mint thrown in during the final stages of cooking can add some zing. Alternatively, swap coriander for curry leaves for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
5. Roasted cauliflower: For a caramelized edge, roast the cauliflower florets separately before adding them to the curry. This brings out a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce.
6. Tamarind or lemon juice: If you want a slightly tangy profile, try adding a splash of tamarind paste or fresh lemon juice towards the end. It will balance the sweetness of the coconut milk and intensify the flavor.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers of Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry can be just as delicious the next day, if stored properly. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:

1. Cool it quickly: Don’t leave your curry sitting out at room temperature for too long. Allow it to cool for no more than 2 hours before storing it in an airtight container. This prevents bacteria growth and keeps it safe for later.
2. Refrigerate or freeze: You can store your leftover curry in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Portion it out into smaller containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label them with the date so you don’t forget about them!
3. Reheating: When you reheat the curry, do it slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If it’s too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or coconut milk to bring it back to the right consistency.
4. Separate the rice: If you’re storing rice alongside the curry, keep them in separate containers. This prevents the rice from becoming soggy and helps both components retain their original textures.
5. Avoid reheating multiple times: It’s best to only reheat your curry once to preserve both flavor and texture. Repeated reheating can cause the cauliflower to become mushy and the spices to lose their vibrancy.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry?

This cauliflower curry is versatile, so you have plenty of options when it comes to side dishes that pair well with it:

1. Rice, of course: A classic choice! Basmati rice works wonderfully here as its light, fluffy texture balances the richness of the curry. If you want something with more flavor, try coconut rice or turmeric rice for an added depth.
2. Flatbreads: Warm, pillowy naan or roti are ideal for scooping up the curry. You can even make your own garlic naan for extra flavor or pick up a pack from the store if you’re short on time.
3. Raita: A cooling yogurt-based raita helps cut through the spice and balances out the heat. Mix in some cucumber, mint and a touch of cumin for an extra refreshing touch.
4. Steamed vegetables: A simple side of lightly steamed vegetables, like spinach, green beans or peas, adds some freshness and crunch to the meal. It gives you a little more nutrition on the side.
5. Pickles: Indian-style pickles, with their tangy and spicy flavor, make a perfect complement to the mildness of the cauliflower curry. A mango or lime pickle would add some zest and excitement to the meal.
6. Salads: A light salad with a lemony vinaigrette can also work wonders. Something fresh like a tomato and cucumber salad with a dash of olive oil, lime juice and coriander leaves would be refreshing alongside the rich curry.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry?

You’ll need cauliflower, onions, garlic, ginger, canned tomatoes, coconut milk, and a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili. Fresh cilantro is also a nice touch!

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Curry?

It should take about 30-40 minutes to make. It’s a pretty quick dish to throw together, especially for a weeknight dinner!

Can I Add Protein To The Cauliflower Curry?

Yes! You can easily add chickpeas, tofu, or even chicken if you prefer. Just toss it in with the cauliflower and let it cook through.