Description
Moroccan spices elevate this golden roasted cauliflower recipe with rich, earthy flavors. Crisp edges and complex seasonings make this side dish a memorable Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience you’ll want to savor again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium cauliflower
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
- Freshly ground black pepper, for sprinkling
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 lemon zest (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ¼ cup (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent cauliflower from sticking.
- Floret Formation: Deconstruct cauliflower head into uniform bite-sized florets using a sharp knife, ensuring consistent sizing for even roasting and optimal caramelization.
- Seasoning Technique: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil across florets, generously coating with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor profile and promote golden-brown coloration.
- Roasting Arrangement: Spread seasoned cauliflower in a single, uncrowded layer on prepared baking sheet, allowing each piece maximum exposure for comprehensive caramelization and crisp edges.
- Cooking Process: Roast in preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, midway rotating the sheet to guarantee uniform golden transformation and tender interior, developing rich, nutty characteristics.
- Finishing Touch: Remove from oven once edges are crispy and golden, then elevate presentation by sprinkling lemon zest, chopped parsley, and finely grated Parmesan cheese for vibrant flavor complexity and elegant visual appeal.
Notes
- Slice Strategically: Cut cauliflower florets into uniform sizes to guarantee even roasting and prevent burning or undercooking.
- Oil Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for superior flavor and optimal caramelization, ensuring each floret gets a perfect golden crisp.
- Spacing is Key: Spread florets in a single layer without overcrowding to allow proper heat circulation and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Rotate for Perfection: Midway through roasting, turn the baking sheet to ensure consistent browning and prevent uneven cooking spots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg