Cauliflower and Peas Curry Recipe | Easy Vegetable Curry

Name: Cauliflower and Peas Curry Recipe | Easy Vegetable Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Ghee/Oil; 2 dried red chillies; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon crushed ginger, garlic and chilli; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1-2 tablespoons Durban curry powder or masala of choice; Salt, to taste; 1 kg cauliflower florets; 1 tomato, chopped; Curry leaves; 1 cup frozen peas

Apriena Jugoo Pummer May 31, 2026

Servings: 5 Total Time: 50 mins

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A simple, flavour-packed cauliflower and peas curry perfect with roti, rice or naan.

Cauliflower and Peas Curry Recipe

If you are looking for a simple vegetable curry that is full of flavour and easy enough for everyday cooking, this cauliflower and peas curry recipe is such a good one to keep on hand. Made with cauliflower florets, peas, onions, tomatoes, curry leaves and warming spices, it is the kind of comforting dish that proves you do not need complicated ingredients to make something really delicious.

This is a lovely home-style curry with a soft, flavourful masala that coats the cauliflower beautifully. The peas add a little sweetness and colour while the cumin seeds, dried red chillies, turmeric and Durban curry powder bring warmth and depth. It is simple, satisfying and perfect served with hot roti, rice or naan.

If you enjoy easy vegetable curries that can fit into both weeknight cooking and family meals, this one is definitely worth saving.

Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower and Peas Curry

It is simple and easy to make – perfect for everyday cooking.
It is full of flavour – with cumin, dried chillies, curry leaves and Durban curry powder.
It is a great meat-free option – hearty and satisfying without feeling heavy.
It pairs with so many sides – hot roti, rice and naan all work beautifully.
It uses everyday ingredients – practical, affordable and comforting.

What Makes This Curry So Good?

The beauty of this cauliflower and peas curry lies in its simplicity. The flavour starts with hot oil, dried red chillies and cumin seeds, which immediately create a warm and fragrant base. The onions are then cooked until softened, followed by crushed garlic, ginger and chilli for even more depth.

Once the turmeric, curry powder and salt go in, the masala starts to come together properly. The cauliflower is added early enough to absorb all that flavour, while the tomatoes and curry leaves help create a softer, richer finish as the dish cooks gently on lower heat. The peas go in near the end so they stay bright and tender.

Why Cauliflower Works So Well in Curry

Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that works beautifully in curry because it absorbs flavour so well. It takes on the spices, softens nicely as it cooks and becomes deeply satisfying without needing too much fuss.

When paired with peas, it creates a lovely balance. The cauliflower brings body and heartiness while the peas add little bursts of sweetness and colour. It is a very simple combination, but one that works beautifully in a spiced masala base.

How to Make Cauliflower and Peas Curry

This curry begins by heating oil in a large flat pan or pot over medium to high heat. The dried red chillies and cumin seeds are added first and cooked until the seeds begin to crackle. That first step helps flavour the oil and gives the curry a lovely aromatic base.

The sliced onions go in next and are fried for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Then the crushed garlic, ginger and chilli are added and cooked briefly before the turmeric, curry powder and salt go in. This allows the spices to cook into the onions properly and gives the curry its warm, rich flavour.

The cauliflower florets are then added and mixed through well so they are coated in the masala. After a few minutes, the chopped tomato and curry leaves are added. The heat is lowered and the curry is left to cook gently until the cauliflower begins to soften.

The peas are added near the end, then the pot is covered and cooked for a little longer until everything is tender and beautifully combined. A final garnish finishes the dish before serving.

Step-by-Step: How to Cook Cauliflower and Peas Curry

Step 1: Start the flavour base

Heat the oil and add the dried red chillies and cumin seeds. Let the seeds crackle before moving on.

Step 2: Cook the onions

Add the sliced onions and fry for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add the aromatics

Stir in the crushed garlic, ginger and chilli and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Add the spices

Add the turmeric powder, curry powder and salt. Mix well and braise briefly so the spices cook properly.

Step 5: Add the cauliflower

Add the cauliflower florets and toss well so they are coated in the masala.

Step 6: Add tomato and curry leaves

Add the chopped tomato and curry leaves, mix well and lower the heat.

Step 7: Cook gently

Allow the curry to cook for about 20 minutes so the cauliflower can soften and absorb flavour.

Step 8: Add the peas

Add the frozen peas, toss to combine, cover with a lid and cook for a further 10 minutes.

Step 9: Garnish and serve

Finish with garnish and serve hot with roti, rice or naan.

Tips for the Best Cauliflower and Peas Curry

Do not rush the onions – they help build the flavour base.
Cook the spices briefly in the oil – this helps deepen the flavour.
Lower the heat once the tomatoes go in – this helps the curry cook gently without catching.
Add the peas near the end – so they stay tender and bright.
Use your preferred masala – Durban curry powder works beautifully, but another masala can also be used.

What to Serve with Cauliflower and Peas Curry

This cauliflower and peas curry is delicious served with hot roti, rice or naan. Because the curry is soft and flavourful, it pairs especially well with simple sides that can soak up the masala.

It is also lovely as part of a bigger meal spread alongside dhal, chutney or a simple salad.

Variations and Substitutions

Use fresh or frozen peas depending on what you have.
Adjust the curry powder to suit your taste and heat preference.
Add more chillies if you want the curry spicier.
You can use another masala blend if you are out of Durban curry powder.
Add extra coriander for garnish if you like a fresher finish.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently until heated through.

Like many vegetable curries, the flavour can deepen nicely by the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peas in this recipe?

Yes, frozen peas work very well and are very convenient here.

Can I use fresh cauliflower?

Yes, fresh cauliflower florets are ideal for this recipe.

What can I serve with cauliflower and peas curry?

Hot roti, rice and naan all work beautifully.

Can I make this curry spicier?

Yes, simply add more curry powder or extra chilli if you prefer more heat.

Is this a good meat-free curry?

Yes, it is a simple and satisfying vegetable curry that works beautifully as a meat-free meal.

Final Thoughts

This cauliflower and peas curry recipe is simple, comforting and full of home-style flavour. With soft cauliflower, sweet peas and a beautifully spiced masala, it is the kind of everyday curry that is easy to make and always satisfying to eat.

If you enjoy practical vegetable dishes that still feel warm and delicious, this is definitely one to keep in your recipe collection. Other recipes to try, just click on the image for the recipe.