Creamy Almond Mughlai Cauliflower

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower , halved, cored, and cut into 3-inch florets
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium yellow onions , finely chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
• 4 cloves
• 1 star anise pod
• 1 piece ginger, peeled and grated
• 5 medium cloves garlic, grated or minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander seed
• 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1/4 cup ground almonds
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup homemade quick vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds, for garnish
• Cilantro leaves and tender stems, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) and place rack in middle position. Place cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast until golden brown on one side, about 10 minutes. Turn and roast until brown on second side and just tender, 7 to 10 minutes longer. Remove from oven and set aside.
2. In a large cast iron skillet or stainless steel sauté pan, heat remaining 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onions, cinnamon stick, cloves, and star anise and cook, stirring, until onions are soft and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, chili flakes, garam masala, ground almonds, and 1/2 cup (120ml) water. Cook, stirring often, until water is absorbed and ground almonds begin to look and smell toasted, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in yogurt, stock, cream, raisins, and brown sugar. Season lightly with salt, then lower heat and simmer until sauce thickens to a creamy glaze, about 10 minutes. (If it gets too thick, stir in a little more water or stock.) Stir in roasted cauliflower and toss until cauliflower is warmed through and coated in sauce, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick pieces and star anise. Transfer to a warmed serving dish and scatter with toasted slivered almonds and cilantro. Serve with raita, rice, and/or Indian flatbreads.