The flavors of India make this vegan snack a Bollywood star
Table of Contents
We love cauliflower and we love Indian flavors, so it’ll be no surprise that this is one of our favorite healthy snacks. Cauliflower is a chameleon of a vegetable, and takes on added flavors beautifully. This Indian inspired version is no exception, and cauliflower recipes abound in Indian cuisine. Here we’ve got more of a fusion going on, where the flavors are a little softer, the heat is turned down, and some Mediterranean flavors of thyme and olive oil come to the party.
This is a wonderful appetizer that pairs well with several dips, but it also makes a great side dish. Try it with these tandoori wings, for example: https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/tandoori-crispy-baked-chicken-wings/
Is Roasted Cauliflower Healthy?
Cauliflower is a healthy, low-calorie vegetable that is loaded with nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants. This recipe also uses limited quantities of healthy fats, and there are many health benefits associated with the spices, too. It’s gluten-free, contains almost no carbs, and is vegan if paired with the right dip.
Which Dip to Pair with Indian Roasted Cauliflower?
Many snacks, healthy or otherwise, get paired with a dip. Often, the dip is less healthy than the snack itself – think carrots and celery dipped in creamy ranch or blue cheese dip from a jar. Even less healthy snacks like chips or factory-made spring rolls get an extra calorie hit from the accompanying dip. There are jarred dips that work great with these cauliflower bites, like a mango or coriander chutney, but we like a simple raita, which is made by mixing mint, cumin seeds, and de-seeded grated cucumber into a few spoons of low-fat yoghurt. Simple, healthy and so easy to make!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 medium cauliflower head
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground paprika
- 1/4 tsp garam masala powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat
Set the oven to 425F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment.
Prepare
Chop cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Mix spices together and sprinkle on Cauliflower. Add olive oil and butter. Toss.
Cook
Add thyme, and bake for 20 minutes at 425F until golden brown.
Serve
Plate the cauliflower, serve with a dip, and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Make a Perfect Roasted Cauliflower
- For more even browning, turn the cauliflower florets over halfway through the cooking time.
- If you can’t find fresh thyme, try fresh parsley or cilantro. They’re both easily available year-round.
- If you want extra flavor, toss the cooked cauliflower in a little extra garam masala.
- If you like your cauliflower soft, try parboiling the florets for 3-5 minutes before roasting.
FAQs
Substitute all or some of the paprika with cayenne. You can also add thinly sliced hot peppers to your cauliflower mixture.
Yes you can, and you shouldn’t have to change a thing. Just check on them after the first ten minutes and every two minutes thereafter – air fryers vary. Also, be sure to give them a shake halfway through the cooking time.
Garam Masala is an Indian spice blend that is used in many Indian dishes, and we think it’s useful to have on hand. If you don’t have any, add a bit more cumin and a little curry powder instead. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious! While you’re exploring Indian flavors and dishes you can pair them with this ginger rice recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is best prepared and served fresh, though the spice mixture and florets can be prepared in advance. Store leftovers in the fridge for three days, and refresh the crispiness with a few minutes in the oven or air fryer. Leftovers can also be thrown into a curry or an Indian-style soup like Mulligatawny.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground paprika
- 1/4 tsp garam masala powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the cauliflower head into 1/2-inch thick bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, and marsala powder and sprinkle onto the cauliflower. Drizzle with the olive oil and melted butter and toss.
- Transfer the cauliflower onto the prepared baking sheet, add the thyme leaves, and bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until the cauliflower is golden brown.
- Transfer the roasted cauliflower onto a plate and serve with a dip of your choice. Enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment