Mughlai Gobhi Musallam or Gobi Musallam is a whole roasted cauliflower simmered perfectly in a rich, luxurious, velvety gravy made using aromatic spices, herbs, yogurt, and cashews. This Mughlai kitchen recipe is a centerpiece dish fit for special occasions.
Mughlai Gobhi Musallam Recipe – Gobi Musallam – Indian Whole Roasted Cauliflower
What is Mughlai Gobhi Musallam (Gobi Musallam)?
In a literal sense the words ‘ Gobhi = Cauliflower & Musallam = Whole ‘ and is an extremely popular recipe from the Royal Mughlai Kitchens of the Northern part of India (Uttar Pradesh).
Mughlai kitchens are extremely popular for their aromatic, flavorful, nut-based recipes like kormas, musallams, tandoori, etc that are cooked in ghee/white butter or now a mix of oil+ghee for a much more modern taste and balance.
My parents are both from that region and our house dishes are mostly comprised of Mughlai, Awadhi, and simple rustic food.
Growing up, I remember ‘Gobhi Musallam’ being a part of many of our celebratory dinners and I wanted to share the same with you.
Gobhi Musallam Ingredients:
To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
Whole Cauliflower – washed, leaves removed.
Red Onions – can use white or yellow too or even the fried onions
Ginger + Garlic Paste
Water
Yogurt – whisked
Cashews
Ghee
Light Oil
Whole Spices – bay leaf, cumin seeds, cinnamon, green cardamom, black cardamom, cloves, pepper
Powdered Spices – turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, red chili, garam masala, salt
Fresh Coriander Leaves – for garnish
Saffron (optional)
Fenugreek Leaves (optional)
Cream or Malai (optional)
How to Make Gobi Musallam (Whole Roasted Cauliflower):
We are going to divide the process into sub-steps to make it easier to make this recipe –
Step 1 – Blanching the Cauliflower:
We blanch the cauliflower in water with a little salt to tenderize it slightly before we add it to the final gravy.
Step 2 – Roasting the Cauliflower in Ghee
Once the cauliflower is nicely blanched, we remove it from the pot and pat it dry. Then roast it to a golden brown coating on both sides (takes about 10-12 minutes). You can even do this step in ‘Air – Fryer’ or Oven’.
Step 3 – Making the Gravy
We start by roasting the whole spices in a ghee + oil mixture. Then add the onions, ginger+garlic paste, cashews and cook to a light golden color. Turn off the heat and let this cool completely.
Once cooled, transfer this mixture + 3 Tbsp water to a blender or magic bullet and pulse to form a smooth paste.
Heat the pan again and add ghee + oil mix. Add this onion paste and add all the powdered spices.
Cook the paste till the oil leaves the sides (5 minutes) and then add whisked yogurt and cook on the lowest heat setting to prevent yogurt from curdling.
Step 4 – Cooking Cauliflower in Gravy
Now, add the roasted cauliflower to the gravy, scoop the gravy using a spoon and put it on the cauliflower to cover on all sides.
Cook the cauliflower in low heat and you can cover the pan/pot at this time to help the cauliflower soak the gravy and spices.
Step 5 – Serve the Gobhi Musallam
Once the cauliflower is nicely cooked and the gravy is thick, turn off the heat. Transfer the dish to a serving platter.
Garnish it with whisked yogurt and cream mix, freshly chopped coriander, and chopped roasted cashews.
Serving Suggestions with Gobhi Musallam:
Traditionally, this dish is served along with steamed basmati rice along with pickled onions or cucumber raita (yogurt dip) to balance the flavors.
However, it can also be served with Indian bread like roti, tandoori roti, naan, lachcha parathas, or regular parathas.
It can also be served with dinner rolls or even Hawaiian rolls.
You can pair light salads or even kebabs.
Try your hand at this royal recipe, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen, creating memories with every simmer and stir.
You can adjust the spice levels to suit your palate, making this recipe versatile for all taste preferences.
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Tried Our Recipe – AWESOME!!!
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Mughlai Gobhi Musallam - Indian Whole Roasted Cauliflower in Gravy
Mughlai Gobhi Musallam or Gobi Musallam is a whole roasted cauliflower simmered perfectly in a rich, luxurious, velvety gravy made using aromatic spices, herbs, yogurt, and cashews. This Mughlai kitchen recipe is a centerpiece dish fit for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 Large Whole Cauliflower, washed, leaves removed.
- 2 Large Red Onions * check notes
- 2 Tbsp Ginger + Garlic Paste
- 1/2 Cup Thick Yogurt, whisked
- 8-10 Cashews
- 3 Tbsp Ghee
- 3 Tbsp Light Oil
- 4 Cups Water, to blanch the cauliflower
- 1 Tsp Salt, to blanch cauliflower
Whole Spices:
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Cinnamon Stick, broken in pieces
- 1.5 Cumin Seeds
- 5 Green Cardamom
- 2 Black Cardamom
- 3 Cloves
- 4 Black Pepper Corns
Powdered Spices:
- 1.5 Tsp Turmeric Powder
- 2 Tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1 Tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 Tsp Ginger Powder
- 2 Tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder - low on heat
- 1 Tsp Garam Masala
- 2 Tsp Dry Fenugreek Leaves - crushed
Garnish:
- 3 Tbsp Yogurt
- 1 Tsp Cream - optional
- 6 Roasted Cashews - thinly chopped
- 3 Sprigs Fresh Coriander Leaves - thinly chopped
Instructions
Prep the Garnish:
- Whisk together yogurt + cream. Keep in the fridge for later use.
Step 1 - Blanching the Cauliflower:
- In a large pot or deep pan, add water + salt. Let it come to a boil.
- Add the cauliflower to the boiling water and blanch it for 5-7 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and remove the cauliflower. Pat it dry using a kitchen towel and keep it aside.
Step 2 - Roasting the Cauliflower in Ghee
- In a deep pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee + 1 tbsp oil.
- Add the blanched (dried) cauliflower and roast it on all sides for 6-7 minutes until even golden brown on all sides. (you can air-fry or bake the cauliflower too).
- Remove the roasted cauliflower to a plate for later use.
Step 3 - Making the Gravy
- In the pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee + 1 Tbsp oil.
- Add the onions, ginger+garlic paste, cashews and cook to a light golden color (3 minutes).
- Turn off the heat and let this cool completely.
- Once cooled, transfer this mixture + 3 Tbsp water to a blender or magic bullet and pulse to form a smooth paste.
- Heat the pan again and add the remaining ghee + oil mix.
- Add this onion paste and add all the powdered spices and saute for a minute.
- Cook the paste till the oil leaves the sides (5 minutes) and then add whisked yogurt and cook on the lowest heat setting to prevent yogurt from curdling
Step 4 - Cooking Cauliflower in Gravy
- Now, add the roasted cauliflower to the gravy, scoop the gravy using a spoon, and put it on the cauliflower to cover on all sides.
- Cook the cauliflower in low heat (5 minutes) and you can cover the pan/pot at this time to help the cauliflower soak the gravy and spices.
Step 5 - Serve the Gobhi Musallam
- Once the cauliflower is nicely cooked and the gravy is thick, turn off the heat. Transfer the dish to a serving platter.
- Garnish it with whisked yogurt and cream mix, freshly chopped coriander, and chopped roasted cashews.
- Serve immediately and enjoy
Notes
Red Onions - can use white or yellow too or even the fried onions
Dry Fenugreek Leaves - also called 'kasoori methi' is easily available in Indian grocery stores. Adds a sweet aroma to dishes. Can skip if not available.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 229Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 415mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 8gSugar: 9gProtein: 8g
38 Replies to "Mughlai Gobhi Musallam - Indian Whole Roasted Cauliflower in Gravy"
Julie June 24, 2024 (1:16 pm)
I loved all the rich spices in this gobhi musallam and so did my family! Such a great way to try cauliflower in a different recipe. We loved it!
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:48 pm)
Thank you so much for making my recipe and glad everyone loved it at home – Hugs, Molly
Loreto and Nicoletta June 23, 2024 (11:08 pm)
I an totally loving this. The flavor profile is intense and delightful. That gravy has my mouth watering, I am definitely going to try this. We love cauliflower! Thanknyou so much for sharing this! ❤️ 😍
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:49 pm)
I’m so happy you all liked the recipe – Hugs, Molly 🙂
Jamie June 23, 2024 (10:42 pm)
I brought this gobhi musallam to a potluck dinner and everyone raved about it! The presentation was beautiful and the gravy – perfection!
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:51 pm)
Yaay, so happy everyone loved it at the potluck and thanks for making my recipe – Hugs, Molly
Amy Liu Dong June 22, 2024 (8:49 pm)
This is awesome! You can see the finesse on it and the flavors are awesome!
veenaazmanov June 21, 2024 (9:11 am)
Definitely a party dish. Love that it is vegetarian. A burst of all the spice flavors and creaminess of the Yogurt and cashew too. Looks tempting.
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:52 pm)
Thank you so much and so glad you liked it – Hugs, Molly
Ramona June 10, 2024 (1:59 pm)
This was the first time I tried this recipe but I loved it and so did my family. It was incredibly flavourful and I will be making this again!
Molly Kumar June 11, 2024 (8:16 am)
Yaay, so glad you made it and the family loved it too. Thnx, Molly
Moop Brown June 10, 2024 (5:58 am)
I’m always looking for more vegetarian recipes to try and this one looks very flavorful and tasty. Looking forward to trying it.
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:54 pm)
Thank you dear and looking forward to it 🙂
Jamie June 9, 2024 (11:50 pm)
This turned me into a cauliflower fan! The gravy was so flavorful and the spices were perfectly balanced. Can’t go wrong with this recipe. Delicious!
Molly Kumar June 11, 2024 (8:20 am)
Thank you so much Jamie and so glad you liked it. Thnx, Molly 🙂
Alex June 9, 2024 (2:49 pm)
This cauliflower came out sooo good. I didn’t even have all the ingredients but it came out perfectly. Even my family liked it and they’re so picky!
Molly Kumar June 11, 2024 (8:17 am)
Thank you so much for trying my recipe and so happy you’ll enjoyed it. Thnx, Molly 🙂
Erin June 9, 2024 (11:56 am)
This was SO good! I’m not usually a fan of cauliflower, but with all the flavors here, it was amazing. Thank you!
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:54 pm)
Thanks so much Erin 🙂
Amy Liu Dong June 8, 2024 (11:16 pm)
Creamy and savory is what i describe for the whole dish. It is balance, no overpowering from the other ingredients, all the elements are in harmony and that is what i like, this dish is awesome!
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:54 pm)
Thank you so much 🙂
Vicky June 7, 2024 (12:23 am)
I’m always looking for new ways to prepare cauliflower, and this recipe is the most delicious looking one I’ve seen in awhile! Can’t wait to make it!
Molly Kumar June 11, 2024 (8:17 am)
So glad you liked the recipe and looking forward to you making it soon. Thnx, Molly 🙂
Angela June 6, 2024 (10:58 pm)
This was easy to prepare and turned out amazing! I love the delicious flavors of the spices. The yogurt sauce was perfect on the side.
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:55 pm)
So glad you liked it, thanks, Molly
Yu June 6, 2024 (10:46 pm)
I love cauliflower. I usually stir-fry it, but now I know how to cook cauliflower with gravy. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:59 pm)
Thanks 🙂
Dennis June 6, 2024 (8:37 pm)
That cauliflower certainly looks delicious! I’m going to pick up the ingredients so I can make it for my family.
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:55 pm)
Awee, thanks so much 🙂
Tracy June 6, 2024 (10:26 am)
This was so delicious, I love roasted cauliflower, but that gravy just takes it to the next level, too!
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (8:59 pm)
Thanks 🙂
Gloria June 5, 2024 (4:39 pm)
We love Indian food. This cauliflower sounds so delicious. I love the spice profile. The perfect side dish to samosas.
Molly Kumar June 24, 2024 (9:00 pm)
Thanks 🙂
Jamie December 17, 2023 (10:13 am)
Love this! It looks so good! Cauliflower is just an amazing veggy!
DK Park December 16, 2023 (9:00 am)
This recipe is awesome! I can’t wait to make this, i hope i can make it just right, thank you!
Savita December 15, 2023 (4:22 pm)
Your Gobhi Musallam recipe is a true culinary masterpiece! The Mughlai Whole Roasted Cauliflower in Gravy is a sensory delight, combining the earthy flavors of cauliflower with the rich and aromatic Mughlai spices.