Simple Roasted Cauliflower

The best way to cook cauliflower is to roast it in the oven. The caramelization on the cauliflower gives it a pleasant nutty flavor. Roasted cauliflower is a delicious, healthy and easy side dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners.

By far, my favorite method for cooking cauliflower is to roast it. It takes minimum effort to prep and it roasts while I am preparing other parts of the meal. Roasted cauliflower also tastes better than when it is cooked using other methods such as steaming. An additional benefit is that roasting is a healthy way to prepare this vegetable. When cauliflower is prepared using this method it is not necessary to bury it in a heavy cheese sauce (which has too many calories). It is delicious on its own! If you have children or other family members who do not like cauliflower, try roasting it. You will win them over!

Fun facts about cauliflower

1. Cauliflower is high in fiber and water which helps with digestion and constipation.
2. It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that can help protect from cancer.
3. It is high in Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
4. People taking statins or blood thinners should not eat too much cauliflower because it can affect their medication.

Ingredients needed to make simple roasted cauliflower

This recipe is so simple. You only need four ingredients to make it.

• Cauliflower-use fresh whole cauliflower or pre-cut cauliflower which would help cut down on prep time. Frozen cauliflower will not roast well because it has too much water in it.
• Olive Oil-use your favorite oil. I like olive oil but most oils like canola, corn or safflower oil are a great substitute.
• Salt-I like kosher salt, but you can use any salt. If it is fine ground, use half the amount.
• Ground black pepper-I use coarse ground black pepper. If you use a finer ground then cut the amount you use by half.

That's it! Only four ingredients. So simple yet very tasty!

Steps to make simple roasted cauliflower

Gather ingredients. Wash and dry the cauliflower. Remove the greens and bottom stem from the cauliflower.

Cut florets off the core. Cut florets into smaller pieces so they roast evenly.

Place florets on a prepared sheet pan. Add oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly distribute seasonings and oil.

Be sure to evenly distribute the florets so that they can roast. If they are too close they will steam and will not get the nice brown caramelization that makes them so tasty.

After roasting, top with chopped parsley, cilantro, parmesan cheese, or lemon juice. They are delicious! Enjoy!

Tips for success

1. To make clean up easier, line the sheet pan with parchment.
2. Pre-heat the oven and be sure it reaches 425 ° F before putting the cauliflower in the oven.
3. Use fresh cauliflower, not frozen.
4. Dry the cauliflower with a paper towel to remove excess water,
5. Cauliflower florets should be cut into approximately the same size pieces.
6. Do not use too much oil otherwise the cauliflower will not roast properly.
7. Flip the cauliflower halfway through baking so that it will brown evenly.

What goes well with roasted cauliflower?

Roasted cauliflower goes well with almost any entree so serve it with your favorite meals. I think it is delicious served with chicken such as Fast Roast Chicken or beef like a chuck roast with gravy. It is also great on its own as an afternoon snack!

Other spices that are great to use with roasted cauliflower

Add ½-1 teaspoon of the following spices before roasting:

• Cumin-whole or ground
• Paprika
• Tumeric
• Red Chili Flakes
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Basil

Storing leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them covered in your refrigerator for up to a week.

How to use leftovers

1. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
2. Use them cold on top of a salad.
3. Add the roasted cauliflower to soups or if there is a lot of leftover cauliflower make cauliflower soup.
4. Eat them as a snack. I like them cold!

I hope you try this recipe! Give it a rating and please comment below. I love hearing from you!

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