Description
Savory “Crispy Roasted Cauliflower” emerges as a golden treasure of culinary simplicity, highlighting Mediterranean-inspired herbs and spices. Crisp edges and tender centers create a delightful experience that will charm anyone seeking a wholesome side dish or light vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) avocado oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) sea salt
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) curry powder
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) maple syrup (optional)
Garnish Ingredients:
- Fresh cilantro
- Toasted almonds
- Tahini drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by preheating the oven to a high temperature of 450°F, ensuring optimal roasting conditions for the cauliflower.
- Carefully break or chop the cauliflower into uniform florets, promoting even cooking and consistent texture.
- Create a flavor-enhancing marinade by combining oil, salt, aromatic curry powder, and sweet maple syrup, thoroughly coating each cauliflower piece.
- Select a sturdy, oven-safe skillet and heat it to a high temperature, allowing the surface to become searingly hot for maximum caramelization.
- Gently place marinated cauliflower into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior through direct contact with the heated surface.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, creating a dual-cooking method that ensures crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Rotate and redistribute the cauliflower every few minutes to guarantee uniform roasting and prevent potential burning.
- Monitor the cauliflower closely, looking for a deep golden color and crisp edges that indicate perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and enhance the dish’s visual appeal and nutritional profile by garnishing with fresh cilantro, crunchy sliced almonds, or a drizzle of creamy tahini.
- Serve immediately to maintain the optimal temperature and crispy texture of the roasted cauliflower.
Notes
- Enhance crispiness by patting cauliflower completely dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture.
- Adjust cooking time based on cauliflower size and desired texture, checking every 5 minutes to prevent burning.
- Experiment with alternative spices like smoked paprika, za’atar, or garam masala for diverse flavor profiles.
- Transform this dish into a vegan protein-rich meal by adding chickpeas or tofu
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg