Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower Recipe
This Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower is a flavorful and healthy side dish featuring cauliflower florets tossed in olive oil and a vibrant blend of Mediterranean spices. Oven-roasted until golden and crispy, it’s perfect as an appetizer, side, or a vegetarian main, topped optionally with fresh parsley, lemon juice, and creamy Greek yogurt for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Seasoning
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into 1–1½ inch sized pieces
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp coriander
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Dollop of plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃). Prepare a baking sheet by either placing parchment paper on it or using it as is for roasting.
- Prepare the Olive Oil Seasoning Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil with cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create an evenly mixed seasoning blend.
- Toss Cauliflower with Seasonings: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the olive oil and spice mixture. Ensure florets are roughly 1 to 1½ inches to promote even roasting.
- Arrange Cauliflower on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure the florets do not overlap, allowing for proper roasting and crisping.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, gently toss the cauliflower to turn the florets for even cooking. Return to oven and roast for another 10 minutes. Check the tenderness by poking with a fork; if still firm, roast an additional 5 minutes until soft and golden.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the oven. If desired, top with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately, optionally with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Notes
- For best results, cut cauliflower florets uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- You can line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Adjust spices according to taste; add more smoked paprika for smoky flavor or extra garlic powder for a stronger garlic taste.
- The optional Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the spices but can be omitted for a vegan version.
- This dish pairs well with Mediterranean mains such as grilled meats or falafel.
Keywords: Mediterranean Recipes, Roasted Cauliflower, Vegetable Side Dish, Vegetarian Recipe