Roasted Cauliflower is spiced up with southwestern flavors. It can never be considered the boring vegetable again.
As a kid, I never gave cauliflower any love. Really, the loveliest (well, as much as one can wax poetic about a cruciferous vegetable) didn't start until a couple of years ago.
When it comes to the raw vegetable plate, the humble cauliflower are usually the last florets standing. But cauliflower has so much more potential than crudite platters. It has to be nurture, encourage and loved. Or may be that's grated, pureed and roasted.
The first time I tried roasting cauliflower (with Indian spices), it got rave reviews. So, I thought a different version, this time using the flavors of the southwest, would be welcome at the dinner table. It was a hit! And this flavorful side dish took only 5 minutes of active prep time.
I think the cauliflower's feeling the love now.
The recipe:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Cut cauliflower into florets, about 1 ½-inches each. Transfer the florets to a bowl. Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil.
In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika and salt.
Pour the spice mixture over the cauliflower and, using your hands, toss to coat the cauliflower.
Transfer the cauliflower to a baking sheet and roast the cauliflower, turning occasionally, until it is tender and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve.
Other cauliflower recipes:
Cookin' Canuck's Grated Cauliflower Salad with Peppers, Carrots & Capers
Cookin' Canuck's Roasted Cauliflower with Indian Spices (Cumin & Coriander)
Kalyn's Kitchen's Cauliflower-Crust Vegetarian Pizza with Mushrooms & Olives
Can't Live Without's Potato & Cauliflower Dry Curry
Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika
Ingredients
- 1 2 pound head cauliflower
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Cut cauliflower into florets, about 1½-inches each. Transfer the florets to a bowl. Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil.
- In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika and salt.
- Pour the spice mixture over the cauliflower and, using your hands, toss to coat the cauliflower.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a baking sheet and roast the cauliflower, turning occasionally, until it is tender and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Lindsey
Made this tonight - it was delicious!
Mickey D. Neal
I chose some Indian spices for this cauliflower; mostly because I used to go to this amazing pita spot in Philly where they had roasted cauliflower and this is as close as I can get to tasting it. I’d encourage you to try these spices even if you don’t think you’ll like them- the blend is mild and not too spicy.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Mickey, you're absolutely right! I actually posted a roasted cauliflower recipe with Indian spices a couple of years ago.
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh wow, I love roasted cauliflower so much 🙂 this recipe is perfect!
Deborah
I really adore cauliflower and these flavors sound so amazing!
Theresa @ Delicacious
I love cauliflower but I've only tried roasting them once. It was a disaster. I left them for too long and they became a wilted black mess. Shall attempt it again with your recipe!
Jessica @ Floptimism
I agree -- raw cauliflower is just not my jam. As soon as you roast it, though, it becomes one of my favorite veggies!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
Love roasting cauliflower and I love your version!! We grew up eating it roasted with ketchup. I'm not going to lie, it was pretty good. 🙂 And hey, better than french fries right?
Kalyn
I love cauliflower and this sounds delicious!
Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective
Love this, Dara! Cauliflower is so versatile, and I bet these spices really add a punch!
kelley
Funny because it's the first thing I go for on a crudite platter! I love anything cauliflower. The spices are gorgeous!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
Love the simple seasonings you used to jazz up one of fall's best veggies! This looks like the perfect easy side dish, Dara. Thanks for sharing!
Kirsten
Dara,
I enjoy plain roasted cauliflower, so I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy a Southwestern twist, especially if mine came out as pretty as yours! I also like cauliflower with cheese, so now I'm wondering if you could top your roasted cauliflower with shredded cheese, pop it back in the oven, and have cauliflower nachos.
Thanks!
Amy @Very Culinary
I just roasted broccoli in the oven for the 1st time a few weeks ago (I know...crawls back under rock) and absolutely loved it. Will make this for my next side!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
I just picked up a gorgeous head of cauliflower to roast. Can't wait to try this spice mix!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Hi Dara, I just pulled this cauliflower out of the oven. So good, I'm not sure it's going to make it to the dinner plate - I may eat it all straight from the pan! 😉
Liz
Sounds nice. Thank you, Dara.
Taylor @ FoodFaithFitness
MMM roasted cauliflower! I never used to like it much either until I realized how versatile it is. Love the flavour combos for this!
Chris
Came out great!
Tieghan
Roasted Cauliflower is so good!! I love all the spices you added. Extra spice makes everything better!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
I love roasted cauliflower! I need to add more spices to it though...great recipe!