Crispy Roasted Cauliflower is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy cauliflower. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness, and with a crispy exterior and tender interior, it’s the perfect side dish or snack. Here’s a quick recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Wash and cut the cauliflower into small, even-sized florets. Try to make them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Season the Cauliflower:
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure the cauliflower is evenly coated in the oil and spices.
4. Roast the Cauliflower:
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Try to avoid overcrowding, as this will help the cauliflower become crispy.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cauliflower should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Once the cauliflower is crispy and tender, remove it from the oven.
- For a bright, fresh flavor, drizzle the roasted cauliflower with lemon juice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired.
6. Serve:
- Serve the crispy roasted cauliflower as a side dish, snack, or add it to salads, bowls, or wraps.
Tips:
- For extra crispiness: Try roasting at a slightly higher temperature (450°F/230°C) or spread the cauliflower in a single layer with enough space between the florets to ensure even crisping.
- Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Customize the seasonings: You can add other spices or seasonings to suit your tastes, such as cumin, paprika, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
This Crispy Roasted Cauliflower is the perfect balance of tender and crispy, with tons of flavor from the seasonings. It’s an easy, healthy, and flavorful side that pairs well with almost any meal! Enjoy!