Spicy Cauliflower Bites (roasted)
This recipe is an excellent and easy way to add cauliflower to your meals and snacks. It produces a simple, baked appetizer or side dish with two options of spicy ingredients that give these bites a great kick.
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
For both spicy mixes:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds black and yellow, or just one type
- ½ medium fresh jalapeño pepper seeded and minced
Spicy mix 1:
- 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder optional
Spicy mix 2:
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika as hot or mild as you want
For the cauliflower:
- 1 whole cauliflower cut into florets
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or just squeeze half a juicy lemon over the baked cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to garnish before serving
Yogurt dipping sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- large pinch black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC).
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds and ½ medium fresh jalapeño pepper, finely minced.
- If using spicy mix 1, add 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger and ½ teaspoon turmeric powder and stir to mix well. If using spicy mix 2, add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika and stir to mix well.
- Cut 1 whole cauliflower into florets with a sharp kitchen knife. Try to get medium pieces that don't crumble. On a large baking dish, toss them with the flavored oil.
- Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste, and spread on an even layer.
- Roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until lightly browned and tender. Time will vary depending on the size of the cauliflower pieces.
- Increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) and roast for 10 more minutes, or until browned to your liking. Make sure the're soft but hold well when served and dipped.
- Serve hot or at room temperature with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice drizzled over it and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
For the yogurt sauce:
- Stir 1 cup Greek yogurt, ¼ teaspoon salt and large pinch black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Transfer to the serving bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and serve alongside the cauliflower bites.
Notes
You can make it ahead and reheat it before serving. In an airtight container with a lid, it lasts for several days in the refrigerator.
Turmeric powder: it adds that yellow color and spiciness, but it does stain a lot. So be careful or don't use it.
A medium oven is the sweet spot where veggies roast and cook simultaneously. For the last 5-10 minutes, you can use a higher temperature if you want them extra roasted or more charred.
You can add fresh tomato pieces or other vegetables before roasting.
