Crispy Roasted Cauliflower is a delicious, healthy side dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. When roasted properly, cauliflower becomes golden, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, making it a perfect addition to any meal or a great stand-alone snack. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color and flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into florets. Try to keep them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. You can also slice the larger florets into smaller pieces if needed.
- Pat the cauliflower florets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps them crisp up better in the oven.
2. Season the Cauliflower:
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure each floret is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
3. Roast the Cauliflower:
- Arrange the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. If you want them extra crispy, make sure the florets aren’t overcrowded—use two baking sheets if needed.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through, until the florets are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
4. Optional Finish:
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the cauliflower with grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting and return it to the oven to melt.
- Once done, remove the cauliflower from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color.
5. Serve:
- Serve your Crispy Roasted Cauliflower hot with a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness and tang.
- It pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including roasted meats, fish, or even as a snack with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli.
Tips:
- Extra Crispy Cauliflower: If you want an even crispier texture, try dusting the cauliflower with a little cornstarch or chickpea flour before roasting.
- Add Spice: If you like heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
- Storage: Leftover roasted cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to bring back some of the crispiness.
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. Whether as a side dish, snack, or even tossed into a salad, this roasted cauliflower is sure to be a hit! Enjoy!