Golden Roasted Cauliflower with LemonHerb Gremolata

Golden Roasted Cauliflower With Lemonherb Gremol

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 5g |
Recipe Introduction: Let's Talk Cauliflower!
Ever looked at a cauliflower and thought, "Meh, boring"? Honestly, I used to feel the same. But let me tell you, this roasted cauliflower recipe will change your mind.
We're talking golden brown, slightly crispy, and packed with flavour. Are you looking for cauliflower recipes ? Look no further.
This could easily become your favorite vegetarian recipes and vegan recipes .
Golden Roasted Cauliflower: Not Your Nan's Cauliflower
This recipe for easy side dish takes cauliflower from zero to hero. Forget soggy, bland boiled cauliflower! We're roasting it until it's perfectly caramelized, bringing out its natural sweetness.
The lemon herb gremolata adds a burst of fresh, zesty flavour. It's sunshine on a plate and one of the healthy recipes that is both vibrant and utterly delicious.
It's a fantastic vegetable side dish too!
A Humble Veggie, Elevated
Originally, roasting vegetables was a Mediterranean technique, using high heat to intensify flavor. This is an easy cauliflower recipe that's ready in about 40- 45 minutes, with only 15 minutes of prep.
This roasted cauliflower recipe yields 4 servings. It's great as a quick side dish or even a light meal. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, fish or simply enjoy it on its own.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This oven roasted cauliflower is not just delicious, it's also good for you! Cauliflower is packed with fiber and vitamins.
It's a healthy side dish that's also gluten free , making it perfect for all sorts of diets. This simple roasted cauliflower is also great for a keto side dish , whole30 side dish , or paleo side dish .
It is perfect for a weeknight dinner side dish when you need side dishes fast or as a simple dish for your summer BBQ.
What makes this roasted cauliflower recipe special is the combination of the caramelized vegetable and the vibrant lemon herb gremolata .
It’s a flavour explosion!
What You'll Need
Ready to get started on the best roasted cauliflower ? Here's a quick rundown of the ingredients you will need.
It's super simple: A head of cauliflower, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and some salt and pepper.
For the gremolata , we'll need fresh parsley, basil, lemon zest, garlic, and a touch more olive oil.
Ingredients & Equipment for Golden Roasted Cauliflower
Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You wanna make the best roasted cauliflower ever? It starts with the right stuff.
This easy side dish is super simple. Even I, with my sometimes questionable kitchen skills, can nail it.
Main Ingredients
- Cauliflower: 1 large head (about 900g / 2 lbs ), cut into florets. Look for firm, white heads. Avoid any with brown spots.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons ( 45 ml ), extra virgin. Splurge a little here. Good oil makes a difference.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). Adds a nice savory base.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ). For a touch of sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ). This gives it that smoky depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) (optional). Only if you like a kick.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens!
Our essential spice combo here is garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. It's a real winner. If you're out of smoked paprika, regular paprika will do.
But honestly, get the smoked stuff. It's worth it.
For a flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. It adds some heat. And that lemon herb gremolata ? It's a must have! Parsley, basil, lemon zest, and garlic? Yes, please.
Equipment Needed
Okay, keep it simple.
- Large Bowl: For tossing the cauliflower with the spices.
- Baking Sheet: The bigger, the better. Give those florets some space.
- Parchment Paper: Optional, but makes cleanup a breeze.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the gremolata .
- Microplane or Zester: For that lemon zest.
Don't have parchment paper? Just lightly grease the baking sheet. No zester? A fine grater will work in a pinch. Seriously, you can make this simple roasted cauliflower with basic stuff.
So there you have it! The ingredients and gear you need to whip up some amazing oven roasted cauliflower . Get ready to impress your friends with this easy vegetable side dish ! Roasting vegetables is so easy!.
Give it a try today and make some crispy k_annotated = ['roasted cauliflower'].
Let's Talk Roasted Cauliflower, Shall We?
Honestly, roasted cauliflower is one of those easy recipes that feels way fancier than it actually is. Forget boring boiled veg.
We're talking golden brown, slightly crispy, and bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I made this. Oh my gosh, it was a revelation!.
Even my brother, who normally runs from vegetable recipes , went back for seconds.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate
First, chop that cauliflower! Aim for evenly sized florets so they cook at the same rate. Nobody likes some bits burnt and others still crunchy! Then, grab your 3 tablespoons of olive oil , 1 teaspoon of garlic powder , 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder , 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika , and a pinch of salt and pepper.
If you're feeling brave, chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Safety wise, just be careful with that knife, yeah? Prep time is about 15 minutes.
The Step-by-Step Magic
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . It's all about that high heat!
- Toss the cauliflower florets in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle on all those lovely spices. Get your hands in there and make sure everything's evenly coated.
- Spread the florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don't overcrowd them, or they'll steam instead of roast.
- Roast for 25- 30 minutes . Flip them halfway through so they get golden brown on all sides. You want them tender, with slightly charred edges.
While the cauliflower is roasting, mix up the lemon herb gremolata : 1/4 cup of fresh parsley , 2 tablespoons of fresh basil , 1 tablespoon of lemon zest , 1 minced garlic clove , 1 tablespoon of olive oil , and a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes.
Smells amazing, right?
Pro Tips and Tricks
Want next level roasted cauliflower ? Here's the tea. Don't be afraid to get some color on those florets. Slightly burnt bits are where all the flavor is! Also, fresh herbs for the gremolata are a MUST.
Dried herbs just won't cut it. If you're making this ahead, roast the cauliflower and store it in the fridge.
Then, just before serving, warm it up and add the gremolata. Easy peasy! It's naturally a gluten free side dish , a vegan side dish and a perfect recipe in both vegetarian recipes and vegan recipes contexts.
Honestly, this oven roasted cauliflower is so versatile. You can serve it with pretty much anything. Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even just a simple quinoa salad.
So, what are you waiting for? Give it a go and let me know what you think! k_annotated
Recipe Notes for Your Golden Roasted Cauliflower
Alright, let's talk nitty gritty. You've got the recipe for the best roasted cauliflower ever. But, hey, a few extra pointers never hurt, right? These will help you make it your own, and avoid any potential kitchen disasters.
Serving Up Some Style: Plating and Presentation
Honestly, presentation makes a difference! A simple sprinkle of extra gremolata looks amazing. You can also add a lemon wedge for a pop of color.
A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt is also yum. For a dinner party? Arrange the roasted cauliflower artfully around your main dish.
It's an easy side dish and looks impressive.
Sidekick Superstars: What to Serve With Your Cauliflower
This easy side dish is super versatile. It is a win, you know? It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or grilled salmon.
A quinoa salad also works a treat. Think about some crusty bread to mop up all that lovely lemon herb goodness.
Yum!
Storing Your Golden Goodness
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once cooled, pop that roasted cauliflower in an airtight container. It will last for around 3-4 days in the fridge.
I'd recommend eating it cold. Freezing isn't ideal; it can get a bit mushy. Though, you can refresh the oven baked cauliflower
Reheating: Reheat it in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven. Do so for about 10 minutes. You can also use a skillet. Just be careful not to burn it.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations for Every Taste
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Like cheese? Toss with grated parmesan for a roasted cauliflower with parmesan .
Want to go vegan ? Skip the parmesan. This can make it one of the many vegan recipes out there.
For a summery twist, use different herbs like dill or mint in your lemon herb gremolata . Make use of all the healthy recipes .
A Dash of Health: Nutrition Basics
One serving of this oven roasted cauliflower clocks in at around 150 calories. It's a good source of fiber. Also, it provides Vitamin C.
It fits into healthy recipes and gluten free recipes . The humble cauliflower really packs a punch!
So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your simple roasted cauliflower experience even better. Go on, give it a whirl.
I promise, this easy cauliflower recipe will be a new favorite. The best roasted cauliflower for all your dinner side dish needs! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My roasted cauliflower is soggy, not crispy. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded soggy cauliflower! The main culprit is usually overcrowding the pan. Make sure the cauliflower florets are spread out in a single layer with plenty of space so the heat can circulate and brown them.
Also, ensure your oven is hot enough (400°F/200°C is ideal) and that you haven't added too much oil, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
Can I roast cauliflower from frozen? Is it worth it?
While technically you can roast cauliflower from frozen, it's not ideal. Frozen cauliflower tends to release a lot of water, which can make it difficult to get it properly browned and crispy. If you absolutely must use frozen, make sure to thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels before roasting.
Honestly, though, fresh cauliflower will give you a much better result; it’s worth nipping down to the shops for it.
What are some yummy variations I can make to this roasted cauliflower recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of roasting adds a lovely savory, cheesy note.
Or, after roasting, a drizzle of balsamic glaze creates a wonderful sweet and tangy contrast. You could even swap the gremolata for a tahini dressing if you want something completely different.
How long does roasted cauliflower last, and what's the best way to store it?
Roasted cauliflower is usually best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or a skillet to help it crisp up a bit microwaving will make it a bit soggy again. It's a great way to add a healthy side to your meal preps.
Is roasted cauliflower good for you? What are the nutritional benefits?
Absolutely! Roasted cauliflower is a healthy and delicious way to get your veggies in. It's low in calories and carbs but high in fiber, vitamins (like vitamin C and vitamin K), and antioxidants. Plus, it's a cruciferous vegetable, which has been linked to numerous health benefits.
So tuck in, you can have your cake and eat it.
I don't have all the spices, can I still make roasted cauliflower?
Yes, you absolutely can! While the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add a lovely depth of flavor, you can make delicious roasted cauliflower with just olive oil, salt, and pepper. You could even experiment with other seasonings like Italian herbs, curry powder, or a simple blend of dried herbs.
The key is to focus on getting a good roast for that caramelized flavor, the spices are just a bonus!