️ Spicy Cauliflower
Intro
Spicy Cauliflower is a deliciously bold and healthy dish perfect as a snack, side, or even a main for a light meal. Roasting cauliflower brings out a nutty sweetness that pairs beautifully with smoky spices and a kick of heat. It’s an easy, vegan-friendly way to add flavor and texture to your meals, and it’s naturally gluten-free too. Whether you’re craving a spicy snack or looking to elevate your vegetable game, this recipe is sure to please!
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven: to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare cauliflower: Wash and cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
Season: In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Roast: Spread cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are crispy and cauliflower is tender.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and squeeze lemon juice over before serving.
Tips
- Cut florets uniformly for even roasting.
- Adjust spice level by controlling the cayenne and chili powder.
- Toss the cauliflower halfway through cooking to get even crispiness.
- Serve with a cooling dip like tzatziki, ranch, or yogurt to balance the heat.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer to keep crisp.
Q/A
Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A: Fresh works best for roasting crispy texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely, it uses only plant-based ingredients.
Q: What can I serve it with?
A: It’s great as a side with grilled meats, tacos, or tossed into salads and grain bowls.
Nutrition (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Fat: 7 g (mostly from olive oil)
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: ~200 mg (adjust with salt)