The spiced baked cauliflower is a simple, light, and very fragrant side dish, perfect when you want to serve a vegetable different from the usual but full of flavor. The cauliflower florets are seasoned with a mix of spices that enhances the natural taste of the vegetable, making it golden on the outside and soft inside. It’s an easy recipe, ready in a few minutes and ideal for those who love spicy dishes or for those looking for a healthy and quick alternative to prepare. You can cook it both in the oven or in the air fryer, obtaining a crispy and tasty spiced cauliflower effortlessly.
If you are looking for delicious side dishes, try the super quick gratin zucchini, the baked onion cutlets, the baked vegetables or the sandy pumpkin and mushrooms .
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OTHER CAULIFLOWER RECIPES
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, and Spring
Ingredients for preparing spiced baked cauliflower
- 1 small cauliflower
- 3.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste spices (turmeric, ginger, chili pepper, curry, and garlic powder)
- to taste salt
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Steps for preparing spiced baked cauliflower
First, wash the cauliflower well, dry it, and divide it into regular florets to ensure even cooking. The more similar the florets are, the more golden and perfect your spiced baked cauliflower will be.
In a jar with a lid, pour extra virgin olive oil, salt, chili pepper, curry, turmeric, ginger, and a little bit of chopped parsley. Close the jar and shake it vigorously: in a few seconds, you’ll have a fragrant and homogeneous dressing, ideal for flavoring your spiced cauliflower.
Transfer the florets to a bowl and mix them with the dressing using your hands, so each piece is well covered with spices. At this point, you can choose the cooking method: in an air fryer at 320°F for 20 minutes, or in the oven at 356°F for about 30 minutes, until the spiced cauliflower is golden and soft. Finish with a bit of fresh parsley and serve.
Recommended Variations, Tips, and Storage
Variations
Add sweet or smoked paprika for a more intense spiced cauliflower.
Use garlic powder or dried onion for a more pronounced aroma.
Replace curry with ras el hanout for a Moroccan-flavored spiced baked cauliflower.
Tips
Do not overdo it with oil: a little is enough for a crispy cauliflower.
If you want a more marked browning, increase the temperature in the last 5 minutes.
Mix the florets halfway through cooking for an even result.
Storage
The spiced baked cauliflower can be stored in the fridge for 2 days in a closed container. You can reheat it in the oven or air fryer to make it crispy again.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but thaw and dry it well before seasoning, so your spiced cauliflower won’t be watery.
Can I increase the spices?
Of course, you can customize the mix as you like to obtain a more pronounced spiced cauliflower.
Is it suitable for a light diet?
Yes, spiced baked cauliflower is a light side dish, rich in fiber and low in fat.
Can I make it without chili pepper?
Absolutely yes: you will still get an aromatic and delicate spiced cauliflower.
