Description
Aloo Gobi is a classic Indian vegetarian dish featuring tender roasted potatoes and cauliflower florets cooked in a flavorful spiced tomato-based masala. This dish combines aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and garam masala with fresh ingredients such as garlic, ginger, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice for a vibrant, satisfying side dish that pairs well with rice or flatbreads.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Cauliflower
- 1 pound (450g) Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 small-medium head of cauliflower (500g of florets)
- 2 ½ tablespoons neutral-flavored oil (can use olive oil if you want)
- Salt and pepper
Masala
- 2 ½ tablespoons neutral-flavored oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin seeds
- 1-inch piece of a cinnamon stick (break in half as needed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon asafoetida (hing), optional
- 1 ½ teaspoons amchur powder
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- ½ to 1 teaspoon mild red chile powder such as Kashmiri chili powder
- 1 serrano pepper, slit down the middle
- 2 Roma or plum tomatoes (about 8 ounces/227g), finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), optional but recommended
- ½ teaspoon garam masala, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter, optional
- 1 big handful cilantro leaves and tender stems
- Freshly squeezed lime juice or lemon juice
Instructions
- Roast Potatoes and Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425ºF and arrange racks in the top third and bottom of the oven. Scrub the potatoes clean and slice into 1-inch chunks. Cut the cauliflower into small-medium florets. Place potatoes on a parchment-lined sheet pan, drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil, and season with salt and pepper. Spread cauliflower on a second sheet pan (no parchment for better browning), drizzle with 1 ½ tablespoons oil, massage oil into florets, and season. Place cauliflower on the top rack and potatoes on the bottom rack. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes without flipping, until browned and tender but firm.
- Make the Masala: Heat 2 ½ tablespoons oil in a deep sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cinnamon stick and cumin seeds, toast for 1 to 1 ½ minutes until aromatic and darker. Add diced onions with a pinch of salt; cook 7 to 8 minutes until browned.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in garlic, ginger, turmeric, and asafoetida if using; cook 1 to 2 minutes stirring frequently. Add amchur powder, coriander, chile powder, serrano pepper, chopped tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat if spices begin sticking. Stir well, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer 4 to 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and oil separates.
- Combine Roasted Vegetables with Masala: Add roasted cauliflower and potatoes along with any browned bits from the pans. Gently stir to coat in the masala and cook uncovered about 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until vegetables are tender and well-coated without becoming soggy. Reduce heat to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Dish: Crush kasuri methi leaves with your hands and add to the pan with garam masala and vegan butter if using. Toss briefly to coat and melt butter. Turn off heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Chop cilantro and add to the aloo gobi along with fresh lime or lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and additional garam masala if desired. Remove cinnamon stick pieces before serving.
Notes
- Use neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola to avoid overpowering the spices; olive oil is optional.
- Peeling potatoes is optional; Yukon gold’s thin skin can be left on for texture and nutrients.
- Asafoetida (hing) adds a unique depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Amchur powder (dried mango powder) provides tanginess; if omitted, increase fresh lime juice to maintain acidity.
- Adjust serrano pepper quantity based on preferred heat level.
- Kasuri methi adds a signature flavor; use dried fenugreek leaves or skip if unavailable.
- Vegan butter adds richness but is optional for a lighter version.
