Name: Instant Pot Vegan Cauliflower Korma
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 small head cauliflower (500-600g); 1/2 cup raw cashews - 70g (soak in warm water for 15 minutes); 400 ml unsweetened coconut milk (13.5 ounces); 3 tbsp. oil; 1 medium onion finely chopped; 2 tbsp. ginger-garlic minced; 1 small green chili minced (optional); 1/2 can chop or diced tomatoes- 200g; 1 tsp. curry powder; 1 tsp. red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder; 2 tsp. ground cumin and coriander; 1 tsp. garam masala; Salt to taste; Cilantro/Coriander to garnish

The most comforting Vegan Cauliflower and Coconut Korma can be made in the Instant Pot in minutes. The recipe is easy to follow and quick to make using easy-to-find ingredients is healthy and gluten-free. Instant Pot Cauliflower or Gobi Korma comprises of large cauliflower chunks braised in a finger-licking cashew and coconut sauce.

Instant pot vegan cauliflower korma served in a white oblong dish next to a bowl of cilantro.

INSTANT POT CAULIFLOWER AND COCONUT KORMA

INSTANT POT VEGETABLES

You may think that cooking cauliflower or indeed other vegetables can cause the veggies to become mushy, but with some care, this is definitely not the case! We have successfully made many vegetable recipes in our Instant Pot.

This curry is made in the Instant Pot under low pressure for 0 minutes!! That is how quickly the cauliflower cooks,

My tips to make sure that your vegetables do not get mushy, hold their shape and retain texture are as follows:

⇨keep the vegetables in large chunks

⇨use the low-pressure function

⇨good quality vegetables require short cooking times. In England, produce is fresh and watery and we tend to only need to cook vegetables for 1 minute on low pressure or sometimes even 0 minutes!!

⇨do not add too much water

⇨quick release the steam

Some of our favourite Instant Pot curry recipes are:

Instant Pot Aloo Gobi

Instant Pot Aloo Matar

Instant Pot Palak Paneer

Instant Pot Vegan Brussels Sprouts Korma

Instant Pot Corn on the cob curry with coconut

INSTANT POT GOBI KORMA

Cauliflower florets are cooked in a creamy and coconut-based korma sauce. This korma is not too sweet and has just the right balance of mild spice and creaminess. The coconut milk gives a lovely flavour and a mild sweetness.

Korma originates from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from the Mughlai cuisine. Korma or qurma refers to the cooking technique of the dish in which vegetables and/or meat is cooked in a creamy gravy made with either yoghurt or cream.

This dish is:

✅Quick, easy and hearty

✅Vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free

✅ Instant pot-friendly

✅ Mild, creamy and oh-so-delicious

✅Great for parties and get-togethers

✅ Meal prep and prep ahead

✅A unique recipe that you will not find in any restaurant

INGREDIENTS FOR 30 MINUTES VEGAN CAULIFLOWER KORMA

exact measurements and method found in the recipe card below

◉ Cauliflower - although various colors of cauliflowers are available in the market, I prefer only white ones for Indian curry recipes.

Select the cauliflower which is fresh, white, firm, and without any blemishes, smaller cauliflowers are more flavourful.

Although in the UK cauliflower is available all year round, its peak season is spring and autumn/fall.

◉ Oil - we have used light olive oil. Vegetable, sunflower, or rapeseed oil works fine too.

◉ Onion - we have used white/brown onion but if you like use red.

◉ Ginger-garlic, green chillies

◉ Spices powders, also known as masalas in Hindi

Garam masala is a blend of roasted and ground various Indian spices. Many recipes ask to add at the end of cooking, as it works on an aromatic level, raising the whole nature of the dish.

Red chilli powder known as Lal Mirch powder, it is made up of grinding dried red chillies. Lal mirch powder provides heat and a bit of colour to the dish.

There are different grades of chilli powders available in the market. Most commonly used is Kashmiri Red Chilli powder which is mild but gives vibrant red colouring to the dish.

Turmeric powder is known as Haldi powder in Hindi, good for health and easily available in the market. Haldi adds bright yellow mustard colour and subtle earthy flavour to the dish. Not great for your french manicure though!! 😀

Ground coriander and cumin powder are known as Dhaniya Jeera Powder. This aromatic and warm powder is made of dried roasted coriander and cumin seeds that rarely overpower a dish. A must in your pantry if you love Indian Currys 🙂

◉ Curry powder is one of those spices that only non-Asians keep in their pantry. To your surprise, you won't see curry masala powder in most Indian kitchens as instead, they use the right amount of various spices in different combinations which are added to the curry whilst preparing it.

Curry powder is easily available in the market, we have used our homemade Indian curry masala in this recipe.

◉ Tomatoes, they add just the right amount of acidity, sweetness and colour. Use fresh or canned. We use pureed canned tomatoes.

◉ Coconut milk, I am using full-fat canned coconut milk.

◉ Raw cashews - are rich and creamy and add body to make the sauce thicker

◉ Fresh cilantro/coriander to garnish

INDIAN CAULIFLOWER CURRY VARIATIONS

This Indian vegan cauliflower masala is very flexible, so I encourage you to use a guide. Here are some ideas to change it up. Keep in mind that cooking times can change.

Use different vegetables. If you want to bulk up this curry or simply want to add more vegetables for a hearty fall/autumn dish, why don't you add either of these:

Butternut squash, Green Peas, Spinach, Carrots, Sweet potato, Broccoli, peppers, or kale?

Add boiled Chickpeas, tofu, paneer, edamame, or red lentils for texture and flavours.

Make it creamy. Stir in double/heavy cream at the end if not vegan or controlling calories or allergic to nuts and coconut milk.

HOW TO MAKE CURRIES QUICKLY?

Often, people shy away from making curries because of the long list of ingredients and complicated cooking methods. But this really does not have to be the case!

Simple preparation is key and can really speed up the cooking process!

For this curry, in particular, have the cauliflower cut first and draining whilst you prepare the other ingredients.

To make the base for the curry, have all of your ingredients measured and ready - you can prepare the onion, garlic mixture first and as it is cooking (this will take around 5 mins), you have time to prepare the crushed tomatoes.

Whilst the curry is cooking in the Instant Pot, you can then be preparing the cashew nuts.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CAULIFLOWER CURRY?

The best side dishes to serve with curry are:

This creamy Cauliflower Korma goes best with piping hot fluffy basmati rice.

If you prefer bread, then either round and soft Gujarati rotlis or restaurant-style garlic and coriander naans are the way to go.

My family love to devour with healthier multigrain flour rotis/chapattis.

Serve this delicious and easy Gujarati chana dal with it that too made in the Instant pot.

An Indian side salad such as kachumber is a must with any curry!

Serve this the British Curry House way with some poppadoms and mango chutney.

STORAGE

You can store this curry in the fridge in an airtight container for up to ¾ days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

I do not recommend freezing the curry as the cauliflower tends to lose its shape.

HOW CAN I MAKE CAULIFLOWER KORMA SOUP?

You can easily turn this korma curry into a delicious and hearty soup if any leftovers. Just add an extra 1-2 cups of vegetable stock before cooking. Add less amount if you prefer a thicker soup, and just blend it.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS NEEDED

To make curry you will need these kitchen tools, utensils and appliances needed.

Instant Pot or large Pan/skillet (if making on the stovetop)

Chopping board/Knife

Blender/food processor

Spatula

Measuring cups/jugs/spoons

Bowls or containers with covers (to store any leftovers)

Let's gather up those ingredients, and I'll show you...

HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER KORMA IN THE INSTANT POT

Get the exact measurements and complete ingredients list in metric and imperial from the recipe card below.

1. In sauté mode, heat oil in the instant pot inner pot. Then add minced/pureed onion, garlic and ginger and sauté for 5-6 minutes until light brown. You may add a teaspoon of water to avoid burning/sticking.

2. Add the crushed/pureed tomatoes and cook them for a couple of minutes.

3. Add curry powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, ground cumin and coriander, salt. Mix and cook just for a minute.

4. Add washed and drained cauliflower florets and mix well.

5. Turn off the sauté mode, cover your instant pot. and set the valve to the sealing position. Set the LOW PRESSURE for 0 MINUTES.

Meanwhile, blend the cashews in a high-speed blender and make a smooth puree, mix it with the coconut milk and leave it aside.

6. When done release the pressure manually.

7. Open the lid, switch to sauté mode on low, stir in the cashew and coconut milk, garam masala and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

8. Turn off the instant pot, garnish it with finely chopped coriander and serve hot.

Note - the cooking time listed does not include time for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure or for the pressure to release.

Closeup shot of my instant pot vagan cauliflower korma curry in a dish topped with fresh cilantro and cashew nuts.

HOW TO MAKE CAULIFLOWER CURRY ON STOVETOP?

If you prefer, you can easily and as effectively make this curry on the stovetop too.

1. Sauté the onion, ginger, garlic in a heated pan with oil for 5-7 minutes or until it turns light brown.

2. Add chopped/pureed/crushed tomatoes and cook further until the tomato's raw smells go away.

3. Then add spices and salt, mix well and cook for a minute.

4. Add cauliflower florets, mix well and add ¼ cup water, cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes.

5. Pour cashew and coconut milk, mix well and further cook until cauliflower is done but not mushy.

6. Turn off the heat, add garam masala and mix.

7. Garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot.

IF YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE

...you might also like our other curry and cauliflower recipes:

1. Vegan cauliflower mash

2. Tandoori cauliflower and chickpea taco

3. Loaded cauliflower mash cheese balls

4. Mauritian gateaux piment curry

5. Gujarati style potato curry - bateta nu saak

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