Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower is roasted in the oven to bring out the sweetness of the cauliflower mixed with the warm, rich spices of turmeric, cumin, coriander and paprika. This makes a wonderful side dish or add it to a rice bowl or a pita sandwich.
One of my favorite ways to make cauliflower for my family is to roast cauliflower. It is a great way to incorporate healthy eating into our meals and is one of my favorite veggies.
I love making this Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower and using it in bowls like this Mediterranean Buddha Bowl and also works nicely as a side dish to add to any meal. There is something about the slightly sweet taste that roasting brings out of cauliflower, paired with the crispy edges.
In my house I make a variety of roasted cauliflower recipes including today’s Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower, Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower, Curry Roasted Cauliflower and Roasted Parmesan Garlic Cauliflower.
One nice thing about roasting vegetables as part of meal prep is that you can have them ready throughout the week for things like rice bowls, pita sandwiches or a healthy side dish for meals. Lately I have been really into roasting a big pan of veggies and adding them to a hummus bowl with greens, feta cheese and olives.
These types of meals are so easy to throw together last minute when you need a quick, healthy meal.
If you want a crispy roasted cauliflower make sure you roast until the turmeric cauliflower starts to turn golden brown. You could also easily make this recipe in an air fryer!
Recipe Ingredients:
- Cauliflower Florets: I used 1 head of cauliflower and cut it down into small cauliflower florets. You also can buy pre-cut cauliflower florets at the store to make your life even easier.
- Garlic: The garlic cloves in this recipe adds flavor. I love fresh garlic cloves but garlic powder also works. You can also skip the garlic if you don’t like it or don’t have it on hand.
- Olive Oil: I used extra virgin olive oil to help coat the spices on the cauliflower. You also could use avocado oil.
- Spices: The spice mixture with the cauliflower is my favorite. It adds so much richness and warm flavor. I used a mixture of turmeric powder, cumin, paprika, coriander and crushed red pepper.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro finishes off the cauliflower side dish. You also course use fresh curly parsley or fresh Italian parsley. This is of course optional.
How to Make Roasted Cauliflower
Step 1: Cut the Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch florets and place them in a large mixing bowl with the minced garlic.
Step 2: Combine the Spices: In a small bowl combine the olive oil, ground turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper and stir.
Step 3: Drizzle Olive Oil over Cauliflower: Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the cauliflower and toss to coat.
Step 4: Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower in an even layer evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and starting to brown on the ends. Remove and add a drizzle of olive oil or fresh cilantro.
Ways to Use Roasted Cauliflower:
When it comes to roasted cauliflower you have to think outside of the box. As you meal prep each week adding roasted vegetables can be a life saver when you need a quick meal or lunch. They are not only versatile but they taste so good and are a healthy part of your diet.
It is so much more than a delicious side dish. It can be used as part of a grain bowl like in this Chicken Shawarma Bowl, on this Hummus Platter, as a crispy snack at a tailgate or on a pita pizza.
If I want to make cauliflower some of my go-tos are this Air Fryer Cauliflower, Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower and this Curry Cauliflower.
Ways to Modify Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower:
If you are looking to add ingredients to roasted cauliflower here are some that work really well:
- Capers: The saltiness of capers works really nice with roasted vegetables. Think about adding a teaspoon or two.
- Olives: Olives work really well with roasted vegetables too. I especially love sliced green olives.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are a great addition to this cauliflower. Try fresh dill, fresh parsley, basil or oregano.
- Cheese: The cool, creaminess of cheese is a great addition to this roasted cauliflower dish. I especially love feta, goat cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Citrus: You could add a squeeze of lime juice or a squeeze of lemon to brighten this dish.
- Spices: You could mix up the spices by using garlic powder, red pepper flakes, chili powder, paprika, za’atar, sumac or curry powder.
- Savory Meat: Savory meats like bacon or pancetta works great as an addition to this cauliflower. You could add a squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice to brighten this dish. I like to make the bacon extra crispy.
- Nuts: Sprinkling nuts onto this dish adds the crunch and health benefits. I really love almonds and pistachios.
Recipe FAQ
Break the cauliflower into similarly sized florets so they cook evenly. You can also slice it into steaks for a different presentation. After washing, pat the cauliflower dry with a clean towel to prevent steaming during roasting. You also want to make sure to leave a bit of room between the cauliflower when spreading it evenly on the pan. This helps to make sure the cauliflower roasts evenly!
You do not need to boil the cauliflower. It actually can make the cauliflower soggy. Roasting directly helps maintain its texture and enhances caramelization.
Yes you can but make sure to thaw and dry it first. Roast at a higher temperature {425 degrees F} to help evaporate excess moisture.
Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
I love serving this cauliflower with a sauce on the side. I think hot sauce is nice, tahini yogurt dressing, a tahini sauce, or dill sauce.
Other Cauliflower Recipes to Try:
If you like cauliflower recipes I have some other ways you can use it in recipes. These are also great recipes to add to your rotation:
- CAULIFLOWER TABBOULEH
- CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
- CHEESY CAULIFLOWER
- CAULIFLOWER CURRY
- AIR FRYER CAULIFLOWER
- CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP
If you try it, please leave me a star rating and comment below, and follow me on Instagram @acedarspoon for more delicious recipes!
Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower,, cut into 1 inch florets {about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds}
- 3 garlic cloves,, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch florets and place them in a large mixing bowl with the minced garlic.
- In a small mixing bowl combine the olive oil, turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper and stir. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the cauliflower and toss to coat.
- On a large baking sheet evenly spread the cauliflower.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and starting to brown on the ends, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Serve warm with cilantro.
Notes
- You can modify how much of the spices you use based on how big your head of cauliflower is. If you are using a smaller head of cauliflower you might want a bit less of the spices.
This is so easy and delicious! I also added large, halved radishes to the bake. I probably used more of both peppers and the paprika, and used Aleppo pepper instead of red pepper flakes. I didn’t feel like mincing garlic, so I added garlic powder. And I subbed half of the oil with melted butter. I am so happy with the flavor!Ther
Those are some great ideas! So glad you enjoyed it!
I just made this.
So delicious. Unfortunately my head of cauliflower was not that big so 1teaspoon of salt was a bit too much. Just for future reference.
Ahh thank you for letting me know! That is a good point on the salt. Glad you liked it.