This Baked Cauliflower Recipe is quick, easy, healthy, and delicious! You can make a delicious nut and al dente vegan side dish in 15 minutes. This is what I call a weeknight hero.
More about Baked Cauliflower
Cauliflower has been a favorite vegetable of mine for a long time. Cauliflower is rich in fiber, has low calories, and has a delicious flavor. This easy recipe for baked cauliflower makes a great choice when time is short, and you are hungry.
This baked cauliflower recipe is easy to put together and versatile. You can adjust the seasonings to suit your spices. After it is cooked, a world of possibilities will open up.
You can eat it as a side dish or make it a main course by adding your favorite dip. To pair it with the natural nutty flavor and texture of cauliflower, I love Hummus. But it can also be paired with Chutneys and yogurt-based sauces such as Raita or tzatziki.
The baked cauliflower can be used as the main feature of any sandwich or wrap. For a quick and healthy meal, tuck it into a warm flatbread and top it with your favorite sauce, some Pickled Red Onions, or a few greens.
You can make this baked cauliflower recipe into a complete meal by adding any curry gravy you prefer. You can make a variety of dishes. This baked cauliflower is an excellent choice for those looking for a more crunchy option to the soft texture of Indian Cauliflower Sazis.
You can add other vegetables to your dish – as long as they are approximately the same size and have been blanched (or else par-cooked); you can add broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbage to give it some color and nutrition.
Substitutions and Ingredients
You only need a few ingredients to make this easy-baked cauliflower recipe. These are some tips to remember:
Cauliflower This recipe works equally well with fresh or frozen cauliflower. Frozen veggies should be blanched for 3-4 minutes less.
Olive Oil I use extra-virgin olive oil, but you can use any other heart-healthy oil.
Black Pepper, Freshly cracked black Pepper, contains more potent essential oils, making the flavor more intense. You can substitute black pepper powder if you don’t have any.
Paprika and Red Chili Powder Paprika comes in hot, sweet, or smoked versions. You can use whatever suits your taste buds!
Herbes de Provence – This French spice mix is often made from a combination of dried thyme and rosemary, summer savory (oregano), and lavender. You can substitute any dried spices for this blend if you don’t already have them.
Salt or Black Salt — Add as needed to get the full flavor from your delicious cruciferous vegetables.
How to Make Baked Cauliflower
Cut or chop one medium-sized cauliflower into small- to medium-sized pieces. Rinse the cauliflower in running water for a few seconds, then blanch in hot water for 5 to 7.
Tablespoons olive oil in a bowl or on a baking tray. 2 teaspoons herbes-de-Provence, 1/2 teaspoon crushed Pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or Red Chilli Powder), and salt or Black salt, as needed.
You can substitute herbs de Provence with your preferred dry herbs. You can adjust the herbs and spices to suit your tastes.
Mix spices, herbs, and salt with a spoon.
This mixture should also include the blanched cauliflower.
Mix the olive oil and herbs, and gently spice into the florets.
Bake Cauliflower
Bake 180 to 191 degrees Celsius for 30 to 35 min. If you see dark brown spots on the cauliflower, it is done.
The time it takes to bake cauliflower will depend on the oven type. The perfect baking time for cauliflower can vary depending on the oven.
Alternatively, you can flip the cauliflower florets halfway through baking.
Garnish the dish with chopped basil or any other fresh herb.
Baked cauliflower can be served with any dip you prefer. These photos show it with Hummus, Pesto. Surprise: The baked cauliflower was delicious with both.
FAQs
What purpose does blanching cauliflower before baking serve? Blanching, which is the process by which cauliflower is cooked in boiling water before it becomes tender and is ready to be eaten, ensures that they are fully cooked. You can roast vegetables at a lower temperature, but you won’t get the crispy exterior you get from the oven. Blanching helps get rid of any bugs or worms in the cauliflower.
Can I bake cauliflower in the oven? The cauliflower will only crisp up nicely in the microwave oven. However, it will still cook but not brown. Olive oil can be used to brush the florets with olive oil if they look or feel dry during cooking.
The cauliflower florets can also be grilled using an electric grill or a pan that can be used with a gas stove.
Can baked cauliflower be made ahead? For the crispiest, best-tasting baked cauliflower, I recommend you bake it right out of the oven. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. It would help if you kept your cauliflower in an airtight container. The sulfurous smell could be transferred to other foods in the refrigerator.