Recipes

Spicy Whole Roasted Cauliflower

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for creative and interesting ways to prepare vegetables — and to even elevate them to “main” status.

This Spicy Whole Roasted Cauliflower is an age-old — and currently trendy — preparation that involves roasting the cauliflower whole until nearly tender, and then roasting it for an additional period of time after basting it with a spicy mixture to add flavor, and produce a rich, brown crust.

Make it for your next dinner party — or a holiday function — for an impressive presentation and delicious flavors. The cauliflower should be tender and fully cooked on the inside, with a pleasing savory crust on the outside.

I’m not going to lie: this recipe is simple, but it takes some legit oven time — about 90 minutes, depending on the size of your cauliflower. So you’ll definitely want to make this when you’ll be around the house for awhile.

Side note: you may notice a fair amount of oil (or ghee) in this recipe. If you’re in detox or cleanse mode, you might be better off with my Creamy Tomato Soup or Beet and Arugula Salad. This recipe is more indulgent than most, and certainly wonderful to enjoy occasionally — especially when you’re entertaining or making dinner for someone special.

 

 

  • monica metz - cauliflower
Print This Recipe

Serves 4-6 sides.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole cauliflower, large or medium in size
  • 2-3 tablespoons of melted ghee or avocado oil (depends on the size of your cauliflower)
  • an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of melted ghee or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika ("dulce")
  • 1 teaspoon sumac
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • handful of chopped scallions (green part)
  • sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Step 1

    Heat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  • Step 2

    Use a paring knife to remove the core and leaves from the base of the cauliflower; discard. Rinse the cauliflower, then pat dry. Prepare for roasting: either use a cast iron skillet, or roasting pan. Oil the pan with some of the melted ghee or avocado oil.

  • Step 3

    Rinse the cauliflower, then pat dry. Prepare for roasting: either use a cast iron skillet, or roasting pan. Oil the pan with some of the melted ghee or avocado oil.

  • Step 4

    Place the cauliflower, base side down, onto the pan. Drizzle some of the oil over the top, and massage it into the cauliflower with your fingers until the cauliflower is well coated. Season with some salt and pepper, then cover the cauliflower and pan tightly with foil. This will help the cauliflower steam in the oven, and cook more quickly.

    Place in the oven and set your timer for 45 minutes.

  • Step 5

    While the cauliflower is roasting, add all of the spices, as well as the orange zest and garlic, into a small bowl. Add the additional melted ghee or coconut oil, and whisk until incorporated.

  • Step 6

    After about 45 minutes, remove the cauliflower from the oven, and remove the foil. Drizzle some of the spicy oil mixture over the cauliflower, using a basting brush to gently work the oil into the cauliflower. Put the cauliflower back into the oven (without the foil) for another 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your cauliflower.

  • Step 7

    After 30-45 minutes, check for doneness. The cauliflower is done when a knife slips in easily, and the outside has turned a rich, golden brown.

  • Step 8

    Right before serving, gently warm the spicy oil mixture in a small pot.

    To serve, gently transfer the cauliflower with a spatula to a serving platter. Drizzle with some of the warmed oil mixture, add salt and pepper to taste, and scatter the scallions over the cauliflower.

    Slice into wedges at the table for a pretty presentation.