Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (2024)

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Roasted Cauliflower is spiced up with southwestern flavors. It can never be considered the boring vegetable again.
Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (1)

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.

Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (2)

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.

Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (3)

In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika and salt.

Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (4)

Pour the spice mixture over the cauliflower and, using your hands, toss to coat the cauliflower.

Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (5)

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:

Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (6)
Cookin' Canuck's
Cookin' Canuck's
Kalyn's Kitchen's Cauliflower-Crust Vegetarian Pizza with Mushrooms & Olives

Printable Recipe

Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (7)

Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika

Roasted Cauliflower is spiced up with southwestern flavors. It can never be considered the boring vegetable again.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 Cups

Calories: 139kcal

Author: Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

Ingredients

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

WW (Old Points) 0 / WW (Points+) 1

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5Cup | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 445mg | Potassium: 1394mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 545IU | Vitamin C: 218.6mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 2.8mg

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.

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.

Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (8)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Lindsey

    Made this tonight - it was delicious!

    Reply

  2. 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.

    Reply

    • Dara (Cookin' Canuck)

      Mickey, you're absolutely right! I actually posted a roasted cauliflower recipe with Indian spices a couple of years ago.

      Reply

  3. Nutmeg Nanny

    Oh wow, I love roasted cauliflower so much 🙂 this recipe is perfect!

    Reply

  4. Deborah

    I really adore cauliflower and these flavors sound so amazing!

    Reply

  5. 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!

    Reply

  6. 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!

    Reply

  7. 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?

    Reply

  8. Kalyn

    I love cauliflower and this sounds delicious!

    Reply

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Southwestern Roasted Cauliflower Recipe with Cumin & Paprika (2024)

FAQs

What brings out the Flavour of cauliflower? ›

There are two really simple techniques that bring out the best in cauliflower: grilling and pickling. Dumping cauliflower florets in a mixture of salt and lemon juice for 45 minutes to an hour turns them into spiky little flavor bombs, delivering high-pitched squeaks in salads, sandwiches or the stew recipe here.

Why do you soak cauliflower before cooking? ›

If you're planning to roast the cauliflower whole or slice it into steaks, slice off the thick stem at the base. Drop the whole cauliflower head upside-down into cool, salted water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes to remove dirt, residue and bugs.

Why is my roasted cauliflower tough? ›

Undercooking It. Overcooking is bad, but undercooking cauliflower is an equally off-putting problem. "When making cauliflower steaks or roasting florets, if you don't roast it in the oven long enough it will be warm but still hard and unenjoyable to eat," says Michalczyk.

What does adding lemon juice to cauliflower do? ›

Food Science

Cauliflower contains some phytonutrients, these nutrients may react with iron cookware and gives the cauliflower a brownish color. To prevent this add some lemon juice to the cauliflower or to the water in which it is blanched.

What does baking soda do to cauliflower? ›

Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent, and it can be used to brighten up your veggies too. Sprinkle a little in the water before boiling to prevent cauliflower from yellowing and make corn look more vibrant.

Does cauliflower need to be washed before roasting? ›

Caramelization is the key to giving the roasted cauliflower flavor. Give all the florets a thorough rinse in a colander. Shake them dry. Spread the florets out in an even layer on the baking sheet.

Should cauliflower be washed before cooking? ›

As per experts, the head of cauliflower is full of crevices that make it susceptible to collecting insects, bacteria, and dirt; hence, cleaning it before consumption is necessary.

Why does cooked cauliflower hurt my stomach? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which can quickly lead to digestive upset, especially when consumed raw. Symptoms can include bloating, gas and cramping.

Can you cook cauliflower too long? ›

The general rule of thumb is about 20 minutes. Cauliflower that is overcooked will lose up to 50% of its vitamins and minerals. If you want a healthy meal, cook it for just a few minutes less.

Can dogs eat cauliflower? ›

Yes, dogs can eat cauliflower in moderation, either raw or cooked. Cauliflower is a source of dietary fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C for dogs. Some dogs may dislike the slightly bitter taste of cauliflower. Avoid cauliflower with seasonings or oils, as they can cause upset stomach.

Is roasted cauliflower good for you? ›

If you're not into cauliflower, try it roasted. It'll be on your veggie rotation in no time. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable responsible for helping to reduce risk of cancer due to it's special antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as it's high fiber content.

How healthy is roasted cauliflower? ›

It's high in vitamins C and K, and is also a good source of folate, which supports cell growth and is essential during pregnancy. Cauliflower is fat-free and cholesterol-free. And it's low in sodium. A one-cup serving contains only 25 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of dietary fiber.

How do you get the cauliflower taste out of cauliflower? ›

To mellow the flavor, soak the entire head (leaves removed) in cold, salted water for 30 minutes before steaming. Some of the bitter components will leach out. Soaking cauliflower will also give your cauliflower a snow-white appearance. Be sure not to steam for no longer than five minutes.

What makes cauliflower a super food? ›

It's high in vitamins C and K, and is also a good source of folate, which supports cell growth and is essential during pregnancy. Cauliflower is fat-free and cholesterol-free. And it's low in sodium. A one-cup serving contains only 25 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of dietary fiber.

What is the flavor of cauliflower before cooking? ›

Here's the thing about cauliflower. You like it raw because it has a great, crunchy texture. Also, the volatile oil - the same one occurs in cabbage, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts - changes in flavor from a pleasantly pungent bite in the raw vegetable to a persistent and annoying odor in the cooked versions.

Does cauliflower absorb flavor? ›

The vegetable's cruciferous aroma tends to be enhanced when pickled, but the flavor is actually quite mellow and will absorb any aromatics, like mustard seeds, crushed garlic and turmeric.

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