Indian cuisine is full of rich, creamy, and aromatic dishes that bring together a variety of flavors. One such innovative yet indulgent dish is Malai Broccoli — a perfect fusion of health and taste. This recipe elevates the humble broccoli by marinating it in a luxurious mix of cream, cheese, and spices, then cooking it to golden perfection. Whether served as a starter, snack, or even a side dish at parties, Malai Broccoli is a crowd-pleaser that combines nutrition with irresistible flavor.
In this blog, let’s explore the step-by-step recipe, tips to perfect it, variations, and why this dish deserves a place on your dining table.

Why Malai Broccoli?
Broccoli is often seen as a “healthy” vegetable but not always associated with indulgence. Malai (cream) preparations, on the other hand, are typically linked with Indian starters like Malai Paneer Tikka or Malai Kofta. The fusion of the two — creamy malai with the nutritious crunch of broccoli — gives birth to a dish that is both wholesome and decadent. It’s ideal for those looking to sneak vegetables into a gourmet preparation while still enjoying a rich treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Broccoli:
● 300–350 grams broccoli (cut into medium florets)

● 1½ cups water (for blanching)

● ½ teaspoon salt

For the Marinade:
● ½ cup fresh cream (malai or heavy cream)

● 2 tablespoons hung curd (thick yogurt)

● 2 tablespoons grated processed cheese (or cream cheese)

● 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

● 1–2 green chilies (finely chopped or paste)

● ½ teaspoon white pepper powder (or black pepper)

● ½ teaspoon garam masala powder

● ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder

● 1 tablespoon cornflour (for binding)

● ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

● 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Garnish and Finishing:
● 1 tablespoon butter or ghee (for brushing)

● A few drops of kewra water or rose water (optional, for aroma)

● Fresh coriander or mint leaves for garnish


Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
1. Wash broccoli florets thoroughly under running water.

2. Boil 1½ cups of water with ½ teaspoon salt. Add the florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes.

3. Immediately transfer to ice-cold water to retain the vibrant green color and crunch. Drain well and keep aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinade
1. In a large mixing bowl, add cream, hung curd, and grated cheese.

2. Mix well until smooth and lump-free.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste, chopped green chili, white pepper, garam masala, cumin powder, lemon juice, cornflour, and salt.

4. Whisk into a creamy, slightly thick marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Broccoli
1. Add the blanched broccoli florets to the marinade.

2. Toss gently to coat each piece with the creamy mixture.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 4: Cook the Malai Broccoli
You can cook Malai Broccoli in three different ways depending on your preference:
● In the Oven/OTG (Authentic Tandoor Style):

○ Preheat oven to 200°C.

○ Line a tray with foil and place marinated broccoli.

○ Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning once, until golden edges appear.

○ Brush lightly with butter or ghee before serving.

● On the Tawa/Pan (Quick Method):

○ Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a non-stick pan.

○ Place marinated florets and cook on medium heat until golden, turning occasionally.

● In the Air Fryer (Healthier Option):

○ Preheat air fryer to 180°C.

○ Place broccoli in the basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking midway.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
● Once cooked, brush broccoli florets with a little melted butter or ghee.

● Sprinkle kewra water or rose water if desired.

● Garnish with fresh coriander or mint.

● Serve hot with green chutney, pickled onions, or even as part of a festive platter.


Serving Suggestions
● Starter Platter: Pair Malai Broccoli with kebabs, tikkas, or paneer starters at parties.

● With Indian Breads: Serve alongside butter naan or tandoori roti for a creamy indulgence.

● Fusion Touch: Use as a filling for wraps, rolls, or even sandwiches.

● Healthy Combo: Pair with a light salad for a guilt-free yet satisfying dinner.


Variations to Try
1. Cheese Burst Malai Broccoli: Stuff small cubes of mozzarella inside broccoli florets before marinating. When cooked, the melted cheese adds a surprise bite.

2. Nutty Twist: Add cashew paste or almond paste to the marinade for extra richness.

3. Spicy Malai Broccoli: Add more chilies, chili flakes, or peri-peri spice if you prefer heat.

4. Vegan Version: Replace cream and cheese with cashew cream or almond cream, and hung curd with vegan yogurt.

5. Grilled Malai Broccoli: Skewer marinated florets and grill them for a smoky, tandoor-style effect.


Tips to Perfect Malai Broccoli
● Do not over-blanch broccoli; it should retain crunch and not turn mushy.

● Ensure hung curd is thick, otherwise the marinade will turn watery.

● Cornflour helps bind the marinade to broccoli; you can also use gram flour (besan) for an earthy flavor.

● Always preheat oven/air fryer for even cooking.

● Brush with butter at the end for authentic restaurant-like taste.


Nutritional Benefits
While Malai Broccoli feels indulgent, it’s also packed with nutrition:
● Broccoli: High in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It boosts immunity and supports digestion.

● Curd & Cream: Provide probiotics and calcium, though moderation is key.

● Spices: Garam masala, cumin, and ginger-garlic add not only flavor but also aid digestion.

When prepared in an air fryer or oven with minimal butter, Malai Broccoli can actually be a healthy, protein-rich snack.

Why You’ll Love This Dish
Malai Broccoli perfectly balances indulgence and health. It’s versatile, crowd-friendly, and can be prepared ahead of time. Its creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults, even those who are not usually fond of broccoli. The dish also suits festive occasions, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual paneer or chicken starters.

Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious vegetarian starter, Malai Broccoli is the dish to try. It brings together the richness of Indian malai-based marinades with the global appeal of broccoli. Easy to prepare, customizable, and visually appealing, it’s a recipe that fits both casual family dinners and elaborate party menus.
So, next time you want to impress your guests or treat yourself to something creamy and flavorful without being too heavy, whip up this delightful Malai Broccoli. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish right at home.