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spicy roasted cauliflower copycat recipe

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Sharon Brown
Spicy roasted cauliflower is an exciting, flavor-packed dish, and the right pairings can take it to the next level. Grilled chicken or fish is a fantastic choice, as the smokiness of the grilled meat perfectly complements the spicy kick of the cauliflower.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6
Calories 121 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large cauliflower head divided into evenly sized florets
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ to ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons American-style chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garlic granules
  • 2 teaspoons onion granules
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder for a bolder taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential. This ensures that the cauliflower roasts rather than steams, leading to that perfect caramelization.
  • Wash and trim your cauliflower head. Cut it into evenly-sized florets. This is crucial for even cooking. If the pieces vary in size, some will end up overcooked while others are underdone.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic granules, onion granules, smoked paprika, turmeric, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a cohesive mixture.
  • Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl. Toss them in the spice mix until they are fully coated. Don’t skip this step. Coating them well ensures that every bite carries the flavor.
  • Spread the coated cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between the pieces; this will help them brown better. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy edges.
  • Once the cauliflower is out of the oven, immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice. This step brightens up the dish and adds a lovely touch of brightness to the flavors.
  • Let it cool slightly, then serve warm. I recommend pairing it with your favorite main dish or just eating it straight off the baking sheet. Trust me; you won’t be able to resist!

Notes

  • Don’t Skimp on the Oil: Olive oil helps the spices adhere. It also assists in achieving a perfectly roasted texture.
  • Swap Spices Wisely: If you're not a fan of something, feel free to substitute. Experiment with spices like curry powder or harissa.
  • Add Cheese: A sprinkle of feta or nutritional yeast post-roasting can add an extra layer of flavor if you enjoy cheesy dishes.
  • Try a 360° Roast: Halfway through roasting, I like to give my cauliflower a shake to ensure even cooking. It makes a difference!

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 3gFat: 5gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 608mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10g
Keyword spicy roasted cauliflower recipe
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