Cauliflower Bhuna with Peas
Cauliflower roasted until browned, then coated in a thick bhuna masala with peas, ginger and fresh coriander.
Made with Curry base sauce (onion and tomato) and Garam masala (homemade). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time40 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.96 a head
- Oven220°C (200°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Toss the cauliflower with 2 tbsp oil and half the salt, spread on a tray and roast for 20 minutes until browned at the edges.
20 min - 2
Meanwhile heat the remaining oil in a large pan and fry the onion for 8 minutes until golden. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
8 min - 3
Stir in the cumin, turmeric and chilli powder and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes until soft.
4 min - 4
Pour in your ready made curry base sauce (see the base recipe) and simmer for 8 minutes until thick.
8 min - 5
Add the roasted cauliflower and peas and cook for 4 minutes so the sauce clings. Stir in the remaining salt and half the garam masala.
4 min - 6
Finish with the rest of the garam masala and the coriander and serve with rice or roti.
Tips
- Roast the cauliflower first for a deeper, nuttier flavour than simmering it.
- A bhuna should be thick enough to cling to the florets, so reduce the sauce before adding them.
- Stir in the peas at the end so they stay bright green.
Storing and freezing
Keeps 3 days in the fridge. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through. Roasted cauliflower softens a little on freezing.
Questions
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but roast it from frozen at a high heat for 5 to 10 minutes longer so it browns rather than steams.
Is it vegan?
Yes. It is free from gluten, dairy, egg and nuts as written.
What goes well with it?
Basmati rice, chapatis or a simple dal. A spoonful of mango chutney adds sweetness.
More made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Mushroom Matar Masala (Mushroom and Pea Curry)
GFDFEFLamb Bhuna with Tomatoes and Green Pepper
DFEFNFSalmon Saag (Salmon in Spiced Spinach)
DFEFNFChana Madras (Chickpea Madras)
GFDFEFSee every dish made with curry base sauce (onion and tomato)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.