This vegetarian side dish or main course features roasted cauliflower in a fragrant, creamy sauce, spiced with ginger, cinnamon, anise, and more, and studded with plump raisins and slivers of crisp almonds.
Roasting the cauliflower beforehand allows it to caramelize and release its sweetness.
A well-rounded dose of warm spices adds richness and depth to the sauce.
1 large head cauliflower (about 1 1/2 pounds; 680g), halved, cored, and cut into 3-inch florets (see note)
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 medium yellow onions (about 1 pound; 450g), finely chopped
1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
4 cloves
1 star anise pod
1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 ounce; 30g)
5 medium cloves (25g) garlic, grated or minced
2 teaspoons (5g) ground cumin
2 teaspoons (5g) ground coriander seed
1 teaspoon (2g) dried chili flakes
1 tablespoon (8g) garam masala
1/4 cup ground almonds (30g; can be ground in a food processor from about 1/3 cup slivered raw almonds)
1 cup (240ml) Greek yogurt
1 cup (240ml) homemade quick vegetable stock
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (75g) golden raisins
1 tablespoon (15g) light brown sugar
1/4 cup (45g) toasted slivered almonds, for garnish
Cilantro leaves and tender stems, for garnish
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and place rack in middle position. Place cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast until golden brown on one side, about 10 minutes. Turn and roast until brown on second side and just tender, 7 to 10 minutes longer. Remove from oven and set aside.
In a large cast iron skillet or stainless steel sauté pan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise and cook, stirring, until onions are soft and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, garam masala, ground almonds, and 1/2 cup (120ml) water. Cook, stirring often, until water is absorbed and ground almonds begin to look and smell toasted, about 5 minutes.
Stir in yogurt, stock, cream, raisins, and brown sugar. Season lightly with salt, then lower heat and simmer until sauce thickens to a creamy glaze, about 10 minutes. (If it gets too thick, stir in a little more water or stock.) Stir in roasted cauliflower and toss until cauliflower is warmed through and coated in sauce, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick pieces and star anise. Transfer to a warmed serving dish and scatter with toasted slivered almonds and cilantro. Serve with raita, rice, and/or Indian flatbreads.