Smoky Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Smoky Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic taco. They’re an excellent choice for a meatless meal that still packs a punch with every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends!

Ingredients for Smoky Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos

Cauliflower is the star of this show, acting as a great canvas for the smoky chipotle and spices. Roasting it brings out a wonderful texture and flavor. The olive oil ensures the spice mixture adheres to the cauliflower while helping it caramelize beautifully. Chipotle powder and smoked paprika are key for creating that deliciously smoky, spicy kick. A touch of ground cumin adds warmth, while salt and black pepper round out the seasoning.

The creamy element comes from the avocado, mashed into a smooth crema with sour cream, providing a refreshing contrast to the spicy cauliflower. A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness, and fresh cilantro gives a touch of herbal freshness. Corn tortillas provide the perfect vessel, with their soft, slightly sweet flavor. Pickled red onions offer a tangy crunch, and feta cheese adds a salty, creamy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy cauliflower, don’t overcrowd the pan. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
  • If you like more spice, add a pinch of cayenne to the spice mix.
  • To keep your tortillas warm, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel until you’re ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh corn salad. A cold beer or a tangy margarita will complement the smoky flavors perfectly. For a family dinner, set up a taco bar with additional toppings like radishes, sliced jalapeños, or a simple tomato salsa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Use whatever tortilla you prefer or have on hand.
How do I make this vegan?
Simply replace the sour cream with a plant-based alternative and omit the feta cheese, or use a vegan cheese substitute.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The cauliflower can be roasted a day in advance and reheated, but the avocado lime crema is best made fresh.

Smoky Chipotle Cauliflower Tacos Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 425°F. While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cauliflower from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each floret is well-coated in spice; your hands are the best tool for this job!

Spread the seasoned cauliflower onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for tender florets with slightly charred edges, which intensify the flavor.

While the cauliflower is in the oven, it’s time to prepare the avocado lime crema. In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth, then mix in the sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.

Next, warm your corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. About 30 seconds on each side should do the trick, making them pliable and enhancing their corn flavor. Once everything is ready, assemble your tacos: lay some roasted cauliflower onto each tortilla, drizzle with the avocado lime crema, and finish with a sprinkle of pickled red onions and crumbled feta cheese.

Serve these beauties immediately and savor the explosion of flavors!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bold and smoky flavors create a satisfying, hearty bite.
  • Easy to make, with just a few simple steps and ingredients.
  • Perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to add more veggies to their meals.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings for extra flair.

Ingredients

1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chipotle powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup sour cream
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
8 small corn tortillas
1/4 cup pickled red onions
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the cauliflower onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and slightly charred.
4. While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the avocado lime crema by mashing the avocado in a small bowl and mixing it with sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro until smooth.
5. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
6. Assemble the tacos by placing roasted cauliflower on each tortilla, drizzling with avocado lime crema, and topping with pickled red onions and crumbled feta cheese.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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