Crispy Roasted Cauliflower recipe

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower is a simple, delicious, and healthy dish that brings out the best in cauliflower with minimal effort. Roasting caramelizes the edges and brings out a deep, nutty flavor, while keeping the texture crispy. Here’s an easy recipe for you!

Crispy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2-3 garlic cloves, minced)

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color and extra flavor)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a cheesy finish)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps create that crispy, caramelized texture on the cauliflower.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower:

   • Wash the cauliflower and remove the leaves. Cut it into bite-sized florets, trying to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.

   • If the florets are too large, you can cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces.

3. Season the Cauliflower:

   • In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil to coat them evenly.

   • Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well to make sure each piece is evenly coated in the seasoning.

4. Roast the Cauliflower:

   • Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure the pieces aren’t crowded—this helps them roast and crisp up rather than steam.

   • Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. The cauliflower should be golden-brown and crispy on the edges when done.

5. Optional Cheesy Finish:

   • If you’re adding Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the cauliflower during the last 5 minutes of roasting. This gives the cauliflower a nice cheesy crust.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

   • Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing over the cauliflower if desired. The acidity from the lemon adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the roasted cauliflower.

Tips:

• Add Heat: For some spice, you can toss the cauliflower in red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha before serving.

• Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan, or use a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like cumin, curry powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles.

• Make it a Meal: Serve the roasted cauliflower over a bed of rice or quinoa, or mix it into a salad with chickpeas or grilled chicken for a more substantial dish.

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Why It Works:

Roasting cauliflower at a high temperature gives it a crispy, caramelized texture on the edges while keeping the inside tender and sweet. The seasoning mix adds layers of flavor that enhance the natural taste of cauliflower without overpowering it.

This dish works as a great side dish, snack, or even a vegetarian main! Would you like any more variations or tips?