Cauliflower Alfredo
Cauliflower spaghetti is comfort and nourishment in one creamy bowl — light yet deeply satisfying. The silky sauce, made from cauliflower and cashews, brings a subtle nuttiness and warmth that feels grounding and wholesome, especially on cooler days.
According to Ayurveda, this dish is ideal for balancing Vata dosha due to its warmth, creaminess, and grounding qualities. With minor modifications, it can also be suitable for Pitta, while Kapha types might prefer a lighter version to prevent a feeling of heaviness.
Ayurvedic properties of key ingredients
Cauliflower → Light, dry; pacifies Kapha, can increase Vata if not well-cooked.
Cashews → Sweet, heavy, grounding; pacifies Vata, may increase Kapha and Pitta in excess.
Garlic → Heating; stimulates digestion, balances Kapha and Vata, may aggravate Pitta in large amounts.
Mushrooms → Earthy, grounding; stabilize Vata, may increase Kapha if taken in excess.
Pasta → Grounding; depending on the grain, can increase Kapha if heavy or refined.
Preparation Time- 10 minutes
Cooking Time- 30 minutes
Serving Size-3
Ingredients
400g pasta (spaghetti or of choice)
300g cauliflower florets
½ cup cashews
6–7 button mushrooms
3 cloves garlic
¾ cup milk (adjust as needed)
¼ tsp black pepper
Chili flakes (to taste)
Oregano (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Pasta water (as needed to adjust consistency)
Instructions
Boil: Cook cauliflower florets with cashews in salted water until soft and tender.
Blend: Drain and transfer to a blender with black pepper and milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Sauté: In a pan, heat a little oil. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the mushrooms are cooked.
Combine: Add the cauliflower–cashew paste to the pan. Mix well and adjust consistency with pasta water as needed.
Season: Stir in chili flakes, oregano, and salt to taste. Toss in your cooked spaghetti and coat evenly with the sauce.
Serve: Serve with love — and maybe a smile big enough to match the flavor.
Dosha Tweaks
For Pitta 🔥
Reduce or skip chili flakes to avoid excess heat.
Use oat or almond milk instead of dairy.
Add cooling herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro.
For Kapha 💧
Reduce cashews or replace with soaked almonds.
Skip mushrooms or add more garlic and black pepper for warmth.
Try lighter pasta (like lentil, chickpea, or zucchini noodles).
Use minimal oil
Suggestions
Pair with lightly steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
Avoid cold drinks with this dish to keep your digestion( Agni) strong.
