Aloo Gobi is a well-loved Pakistani & Punjabi dish in which potatoes and Cauliflower are coated in curry and steamed to perfection. This Aloo Gobi curry recipe is authentic, juicy, and mouthwatering with a surprising added touch of umami!

Aloo Gobi on a round plate with roti.

“Absolutely scrumptious! Your recipes are always a hit, thank you!”

Fatema

Aloo Gobi – The Classic Potato & Cauliflower Dish

I know, I know. There are as many versions of Aloo Gobi as there are South Asian households. And now it’s gaining well-deserved fame in Western culture too.

You really don’t need another Aloo Gobi recipe.

But what if I told you I have a special one?

One with a secret ingredient…

Holding a round plate with Aloo Gobi and a folded piece of roti.

What’s the Secret Ingredient?

Now that I’ve built up all this suspense, I’ll keep you waiting for a liiittle longer.

Your typical Aloo Gobi consists of all the usual suspects – onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chili pepper, spices, the works.

While this Aloo Gobi boasts all the aforementioned ingredients, it is elevated with black seeds (kalonji), an extra sprinkle of fresh coriander powder, and it’s finished off with a secret ingredient…

Close up of holding a round plate with Aloo Gobi and roti.

Soy Sauce! (or Tamari – to make it gluten-free)

Now you might be thinking…soy sauce in a South Asian dish?

You may be shaking your head. My ancestors may be frowning down upon me.

But hear me out.

The best way I can describe what soy sauce does is that it amplifies the umami factor of Aloo Gobi.

If you aren’t familiar with the term ‘umami’, it’s basically called the “fifth taste,” after salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. It’s that deep, intense flavor that’s hard to describe but now that I pointed it out, you can kind of already taste it.

I’ve tried so many variations of Aloo Gobi. Indian-style using dry mango (amchur) powder for an extra sour kick. Tomato paste for extra color. Yogurt for a little creaminess. Of course, you can add in whichever of these appeals to you.

But for this recipe, I stuck with the must-have ingredients for an authentic, juicy, mouthwatering Pakistani-style Aloo Gobi.

With that extra umami touch.

Putting some raita on a plate of Aloo Gobi and roti.

Tips for Cooking Aloo Gobi

Here are some tips for making Aloo Gobi:

  1. As with Easy Mixed Vegetable Curry and other vegetarian curries, it’s always best to cover and let the vegetables cook over low heat in their own moisture. Adding water can make them soggy and less flavorful.
  2. I don’t know about you, but I love both my cauliflower and potatoes to be well done. I’ve tried other recipes and there’s often a bite to the cauliflower. I add the potatoes with the cauliflower to prevent it from being underdone.
  3. The soy sauce at the end is a subtle addition that you won’t be able to taste once you stir it in. Don’t be afraid to use it or even increase to a teaspoon. And if you just want a traditional (but amazing!!) aloo gobi, feel free to omit it. With or without it, this recipe is so deeply flavorful and the vegetables are cooked to perfection.
A round plate with Aloo Gobi, raita and a piece of roti.

More Vegan and Vegetarian curry recipes:

Top view of a round plate with Aloo Gobi, raita and roti.
Aloo Gobi Potato Cauliflower curry
5 (19 ratings)

Pakistani Aloo Gobi – Potato and Cauliflower Curry

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
This Pakistani Aloo Gobi curry recipe is authentic, juicy, and mouthwatering thanks to a surprising touch of umami. Naturally gluten-free and vegan!
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Ingredients 

  • ¼ cup grapeseed, avocado, or other neutral oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp nigella seeds – (kalonji), optional
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3/4 inch piece ginger, crushed
  • 3 small to medium tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder, or more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, optional
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 (~1 lb or 500 g chopped) small head cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 2 (~350 g) medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, and placed in a bowl of water to prevent browning
  • 1 green chili pepper, sliced or chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/4 tsp lemon or lime juice, optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves, to garnish

Instructions 

  • Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the cumin and nigella seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add the chopped onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they turn lightly golden, about 5-6 minutes. 
  • Add the garlic and ginger and sauté until the raw smell disappears, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, spice powders (coriander, cumin, turmeric, red chili, black pepper (if using)) and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil begins to separate from them, about 4-5 minutes. 
  • Add the potatoes, cauliflower, and green chili pepper. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes.
  • Turn the heat down to low-medium, cover, and let cook for about 20 minutes, stirring once or twice in between.* 
  • When the vegetables are cooked and all the moisture is gone, turn off the heat and add the soy sauce, garam masala, and lemon juice (if using). Mix well and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with roti, naan, or rice.

Notes

*The goal is to let the vegetables cook in their own juices, adding only a bit of water if absolutely necessary.
Calories: 285kcal, Carbohydrates: 36g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 722mg, Potassium: 1183mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 832IU, Vitamin C: 108mg, Calcium: 83mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Izzah Cheema
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani