Aloo Gobi is a classic North Indian vegetarian dish made with tender potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi), sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It’s a dry curry that balances warmth, earthiness, and gentle heat, making it a perfect side or main dish with roti, naan, or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty, yet light and plant-based
- Packed with warm Indian spices and everyday ingredients
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Versatile—can be served dry or with a bit of gravy
- Simple to prepare, ideal for weeknight meals
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- potatoes, peeled and diced
- cauliflower florets
- oil (vegetable, mustard, or ghee for richness)
- cumin seeds
- onion, finely chopped
- ginger-garlic paste
- tomatoes, chopped or pureed
- turmeric powder
- coriander powder
- red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- garam masala
- salt
- chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- optional: green peas, green chilies, amchur (dry mango powder)
Directions
- Prep Vegetables: Cut potatoes into small cubes and cauliflower into small florets. Rinse and set aside.
- Sauté Spices and Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan, heat oil. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in chopped tomatoes along with turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate.
- Cook Vegetables: Add potatoes and cauliflower. Mix well to coat with the masala. Cover and cook on low heat for 2025 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Finish: Sprinkle garam masala and amchur powder (if using). Mix gently and cook uncovered for a few more minutes to lightly crisp the vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Green Peas: Stir in fresh or frozen peas toward the end for sweetness and color
- Make it Gravy-Style: Add more tomatoes and a splash of water to make a saucier curry
- Roast Before Cooking: Roast potatoes and cauliflower in the oven first for a crispier texture
- Add Heat: Include green chilies or increase chili powder for more spice
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave until heated through
- Freeze: Not recommended as potatoes may become grainy and cauliflower mushy upon thawing
FAQs
What does “Aloo Gobi” mean?
“Aloo” means potato and “Gobi” means cauliflower in Hindi.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture while cooking.
Is Aloo Gobi supposed to be dry?
Traditionally, yes. It’s a semi-dry curry but can be made with light gravy if preferred.
Can I skip onions and garlic?
Yes, for a Jain or Sattvic version, omit onions and garlic and use more tomatoes and spices.
How spicy is Aloo Gobi?
Mild to medium, depending on how much chili is used. Easily adjustable to taste.
What’s the best type of potato for this dish?
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape best when cooked.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. It reheats well and tastes even better as the flavors meld.
What herbs work if I don’t have cilantro?
Parsley is a mild substitute, though not traditional.
Can I make it oil-free?
You can sauté using water or vegetable broth for a lighter version, though texture and flavor may differ.
What do I serve with Aloo Gobi?
Roti, chapati, paratha, or basmati rice are great options.
Conclusion
Aloo Gobi is a staple Indian dish that transforms humble potatoes and cauliflower into a delicious, aromatic curry full of flavor and warmth. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s a go-to comfort food that fits any table—from a weeknight meal to a festive feast.
Description
Aloo Gobi is a classic Indian vegetarian dish made with potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi) cooked with aromatic spices. It’s simple, flavorful, and pairs well with roti or rice.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add potatoes and cauliflower. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add water, cover, and cook for 1520 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
- Uncover, add garam masala, and cook for another 23 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, roast potatoes and cauliflower before adding to the pan.
- Add green peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Pairs well with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg