Welcome to a simple yet flavorful journey with our Spiced Roasted Cauliflower Delight! This recipe brings a delightful twist to your usual vegetable fare, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Let's transform a humble cauliflower into something extraordinary with a few spices and a dash of love.
Cauliflower takes center stage here, providing a neutral base that soaks up all the wonderful spices. Olive oil helps the spices adhere and allows the cauliflower to roast to crispy perfection. Ground cumin and turmeric lend a warm, earthy flavor, while smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth. Ground coriander brings a hint of citrusy brightness. Salt and pepper enhance all these flavors, and a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish. Finally, minced garlic and fresh cilantro add freshness and a pop of color.
This spiced roasted cauliflower pairs beautifully with a simple grilled chicken or a hearty lentil stew. You can also toss it with cooked quinoa or farro for a satisfying vegetarian bowl. A dollop of plain yogurt on the side can add a creamy contrast to the spices.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the cauliflower gets nice and crispy. While the oven is heating, cut a large head of cauliflower into florets. Try to keep them roughly the same size for even cooking.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure each piece is well-coated; this will help the spices stick and ensure even roasting. Now, add 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix everything until the cauliflower is evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet. This step is crucial because overcrowding will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Give them a good stir about halfway through to ensure even cooking. You'll know they're done when they're golden brown and tender.
Once roasted, remove the cauliflower from the oven and immediately drizzle with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This will bring out the flavors beautifully. Sprinkle 2 cloves of minced garlic over the top, allowing the residual heat to mellow the raw garlic. Finally, garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
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