Fitness / January 20, 2024

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Complement the natural nuttiness of this simple side dish with a sprinkling of paprika, curry, and turmeric and make unforgettable Spicy Roasted Cauliflower.

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A good side dish knows how to complement the main entree. You don’t want it showboating and taking attention from the real star of the show—one that you probably spent much more time on than the side.

That’s why I like roasted cauliflower. It has a subtle taste that can be influenced with the addition of spices and other select ingredients. That’s what I’ve done here, with this recipe. Whether I’m making Pineapple 5 Spice Paleo Whole30 Chicken Wings or a Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, I know that I can serve Spicy Roasted Cauliflower alongside it for a well-rounded meal where the side dish isn’t a glory hound. Make it once and you’ll immediately fall under its humble spell. You’ll start seeing other entrees that could use a dish like this. Pretty soon, you’ll realize that Spicy Roasted Cauliflower isn’t just a side dish, it’s a sidekick.

Is Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Healthy?

Yes, cauliflower is very healthy. It contains vitamins and minerals, is high in fiber but low in carbs and fat. As a result, it lends itself to numerous diets; however, because this particular recipe contains breadcrumbs, those diets are limited. As it stands, those on a Mediterranean or vegan (provided the breadcrumbs are vegan) diet can enjoy this recipe. Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal and you can serve this side dish to those on low-carb/keto diets. Replace them with crushed almonds or walnuts to serve them to those on paleo diets.

INGREDIENTS

1 medium head of cauliflower
1 tsp sweet paprika
½ tsp curry
2 tsp curcuma
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves of garlic
salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Remove the cauliflower florets from the core, wash under running water, and drain.

Mix

In a large bowl mix 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon curry, and 2 teaspoons curcuma with 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Stir.

Add

Add the cut-up cauliflower into the bowl, and stir as evenly as possible. Add ⅓ cup of breadcrumbs, sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt, and stir again.

Roast

Place the cauliflower in an oven tray with 2 cloves of garlic. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and roast in the oven for 20 mins.

DEVOUR!

Tips & Tricks to Making Perfect Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Cut the cauliflower pieces as uniformly as possible to promote even cooking.
Buy cauliflower with tight and compact florets—a sign the vegetable is fresh.
To ensure every floret is adequately covered, consider using a brush to apply the olive oil and mixture.
Taste the spice mix before applying it to the cauliflower to ensure you’re happy with its taste and balance.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking to the pan.

FAQs

how do i get crispy cauliflower?

Dry the cauliflower after you wash it and spread the florets out on the pan. A crowded pan may result in steamed cauliflower, not roasted. Last, consider broiling them for a few minutes before taking them out of the oven. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

do I need to flip the cauliflower halfway through cooking?

If you’ve adequately spaced out the florets, then no, it’s not necessary. The heat will be able to access the pieces from all angles. If you’re worried the pan is a bit crowded, then flip them to ensure they’re evenly cooked.

what should i use as a garnish?

Cilantro or parsley will work well with the spices and add a bit of color.

any dipping sauce you recommend?

Yogurt-based tzatziki, garlic aioli, or my Buffalo Cauliflower Dip should lend a wonderful zip to the roasted cauliflower.

can i use an air fryer for this recipe?

Yes, you can. Refer to this recipe for Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower but incorporate the spices from the one above.

Other Roasted Cauliflower Recipes To Try

Easy Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower: Similar to this recipe but with grated Italian Grana Padano cheese for an added crunch.

Easy Roasted Frozen Cauliflower: Roasted Cauliflower with the added convenience of being cooked from frozen.

Parmesan Roasted Ranch Cauliflower With Avocado: Flavored with Parmesan and ranch seasoning then tossed with avocado.

How to Prep and Store Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Let the cauliflower cool completely. You can then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the florets for up to 3 months. To reheat, put the cauliflower in the oven at 400°F until warmed through.