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Instant Pot Cauliflower

whole head of cooked cauliflower in a bowl with tomato coconut milk sauce

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5 from 5 reviews

Perfectly cooked Instant Pot cauliflower served with a creamy tomato and coconut milk sauce. Everything cooks in the pressure cooker, in just 2 minutes!


Total Instant Pot Cooking Time:
15 minutes to reach pressure + 2 minute cook time + quick release

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 head cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes (fire roasted, if possible)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

  1. Slice the stem off of the cauliflower, so that the bottom of the head is flat and even. Use a paring knife to carefully cut out about an inch of the remaining stem. This creates a space where steam can rise up into the cauliflower head and cooking it evenly. 
  2. Press the Saute button and add the olive oil and garlic. Saute only about 1 minute, to lightly cook the garlic. 
  3. Add the tomatoes, spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon) and salt. Mix well.  Turn off the saute function. 
  4. Set the cauliflower in the Instant Pot on its flat bottom. Season the cauliflower lightly with salt (about ¼ teaspoon).
  5. Spoon some of the sauce over the cauliflower. 
  6. Secure the lid, making sure the steam release valve is in the “sealed” position.
  7. Cook on high pressure for  2 minutes. 
  8. Immediately quick release the pressure when the cooking time is complete
  9. Lift the cauliflower out with a large spatula and large tongs and set in a serving bowl. 
  10. Stir the coconut milk into the tomatoes.  Pour the sauce over the cauliflower. 
  11. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. 

Notes

This recipe was made in a 6-quart Instant Pot.

I really recommend using crushed tomatoes, not diced. Diced tomatoes stay whole and don't break down at all, making a sauce that is chunky rather than smooth.