This spiced roasted cauliflower with tahini is one of the easiest things to make for any given dinner or lunch. Roasting cauliflower is a great way to make this vegetable more appetizing for kids and adults.
Cauliflower, seasoned with turmeric, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and paprika, is an ideal side dish or vegan main. It is not only healthful but also straightforward to prepare and enjoyable both warm and at room temperature. It's versatile enough to be turned into a spicy cauliflower soup or paired with basmati rice for a light meal.
This recipe, popular in various culinary circles, became a personal favorite after an unforgettable experience at a Jewish restaurant in Mexico City. The roasted cauliflower burst with flavor, recommended by a waiter who assured satisfaction.
In our kitchen, it joins the ranks of other oven-baked favorites like roasted Brussels sprouts, whole roasted butternut squash, and holiday-roasted vegetables, highlighting our love for seasonal vegetables and recipes.
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💚 Why we love this recipe
This great recipe is perfect when you don't know what to do with that beautiful cauliflower head in your fridge. With this oven-roasted cauliflower recipe, you can use different herbs, fats, and seasonings to change slightly. The whole cauliflower cooking time in an aluminum foil at 400ºF (200ºC) is one hour.
🧾 Ingredients
Only easy-to-get kitchen staples!
- Turmeric: Turmeric is used for its distinctive, earthy flavor, which adds depth to the dish. It also gives the cauliflower a bright yellow color, enhancing the dish's visual appeal.
- Paprika: Paprika contributes a mild, sweet flavor with a touch of heat, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish. Additionally, it imparts a rich red color to the cauliflower, complementing the color of the turmeric.
- Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs well with the other spices and enhances the savory taste of the roasted cauliflower. Its unique flavor profile also contributes to the dish's complex layers of taste.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a hint of heat and piquancy to the dish, balancing the other flavors. It also helps to stimulate the appetite and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Garlic: Garlic is used for its robust, pungent flavor, adding depth and a savory component to the roasted cauliflower. Its aroma also contributes to the mouthwatering appeal of the dish.
- Tahini paste (sesame paste): Tahini paste makes the sauce creamy and rich, balancing the spicy and earthy flavors of the roasted cauliflower. It also adds a slightly nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Herbs: Herbs provide a fresh contrast to the roasted, spiced cauliflower, elevating the overall flavor profile. Depending on the herbs used, they can also add fragrant notes that increase the dish's complexity and depth.
See quantities and complete instructions in the recipe card.
🥢 Equipment
Bowl, kitchen brush, aluminum foil, and baking tray.
🔪 Instructions
The Right Mix and Amount of Spices will do the trick!
- Measure your spices to make the creamy tahini sauce.
- Mix the Spices with water, lemon juice, and tahini (or extra virgin olive oil) in a large mixing bowl. Then brush the cauliflower head with a kitchen brush.
- Place your Cauliflower head on an Aluminium Foil and Cover it with the tahini dressing.
- Wrap the cauliflower head, making sure it is tightly closed, and place it on a baking sheet. Bake it in a preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Turmeric dyes stuff, even your hands, so handle it carefully.
- Open the foil and put the tray back in the oven to cook the cauliflower head for another 15 minutes. This will ensure a crispy head; otherwise, it will be soggy.
I recommend keeping the remaining liquid after baking tahini roasted cauliflower so you can add an extra punch while eating. It also adds an extra Gourmet Touch to the table!
Garnish with sesame seeds!
📖 Variations
For a simple yet delicious variation, try our Whole Roasted Cauliflower Head recipe. It requires just olive oil and salt for preparation and emphasizes the cauliflower's natural flavors.
For those who enjoy a bit of sweetness, drizzle the cauliflower with maple syrup and mustard glaze before roasting to add a touch of warmth and sweetness to the dish.
🥢 How to serve
As a Warm Salad: Serve the cauliflower over a bed of mixed greens, such as spinach and arugula salad or a vegan kale salad. Add some roasted nuts, perhaps walnuts or pecans, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing, light meal that balances the richness of the spiced cauliflower.
Alongside Grains: Pair the cauliflower with a fluffy portion of quinoa, basmati rice, or couscous. Mix in some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and some pan-grilled asparagus.
Stuffed in a Pita: For a creative twist, stuff some pieces into a warm pita bread. Add layers of Lebanese hummus, diced tomatoes, and cucumbers.
🥡 Storage
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
📚 More cauliflower recipes
We are sure you will enjoy more of our cauliflower recipes that pack lots of flavor... check them out!
If you try this keto-roasted cauliflower recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
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🎥 Video
📋 Recipe
Spiced Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower medium (700 gr ~25 oz)
Roasted Cauliflower Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons tahini or extra virgin olive oil or margarine, for a buttery flavor
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme or dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin ground
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika I really recommend this one, outstandingly delicious.
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin, optional
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF or 200ºC.
- Prepare the spices in a bowl.
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, but the cauliflower, until well combined.
- Trim the base of the cauliflower to remove any green leaves and the stem.
- Place the cauliflower head onto an aluminum foil, then Make cuts in the cauliflower head and then rub the marinade all over the cauliflower, allowing some of it to come inside of it.
- Bake the cauliflower head covered in aluminum foil and put it on a baking sheet for 45 minutes.
- Open the foil, brush the olive oil on the cauliflower head and raise the oven heat to 500ºF (250ºC). and put the tray back in the oven (opened aluminum foil and cauliflower head included) to cook for another 15 minutes to ensure you have a crispy cauliflower head. Otherwise, it would be soggy while the juices will remain in the aluminum foil and condense.
- I like to add the remaining juices in the aluminum foil on top of it once I have cut it in quarters.
Video
Notes
- You can keep the leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use any herbs or spices you want or have on hand, have fun!
- I use a brush to rub the marinade all over the cauliflower because the turmeric stains a lot, but unnecessary. You can also use your hands or even a plastic bag.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven, the size of your cauliflower, or how soft you want it.
- You can keep it in an airtight container in the freezer for 1-2 months.
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
Roasted cauliflower is so much better than boiling or steaming and I love the spices too.
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats
Cauliflower is certainly having a moment! love how healthy and easy this is, not to mention the great Indian spices!
Sara
So simple yet great flavour, will definitely make this again!
Holley
I love the spices in this dish! This really is super flavorful and my new favorite way of making cauliflower, hands down!
Maria San Juan
This is brilliant! I love cauliflowers! Will surely make this one! Thanks for sharing!
Gus
I am sure you will enjoy it very much!
Jacqueline Meldrum
What a great idea. I always forget about doing this but you have inspired me.
Lauren Michael Harris
What a tasty way to roast a whole head of cauliflower. It's my favorite veggies so I am always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy it - this recipe is a keeper!
Gus
Thank you for your review of our cauliflower recipe, Lauren. I'm glad to hear that it's a keeper and that you enjoyed the dish!
Alisa Infanti
So simple but absolutely delicious!
Elizabeth
Obsessed with this!! I love cauliflower and had never tried it this way before--definitely gonna be on repeat at my house from now on!
Gus
Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're so glad to hear that you loved the cauliflower dish!
We love hearing from our customers and we listen closely to what they have to say, especially when it comes to dishes like this one.:)
Jess
Roasted veggies are my favorite. This is a great option for a healthy side dish.
Susan
Esta colifor asada es infaltable de acompañamiento en nuestra mesa! El horneado le deja un sabor increíble!
Andrea
Oh does this look amazing! I've never roasted a cauliflower before but I am ready to change that.
Nathan
I'm such a fan of anything with cauliflower, and roasting it is one of my favorite ways to eat it! This blend of spices looks absolutely perfect. Can't wait to give it a try!
Gus
We love this spices mix! makes it truly taste amazing!
AISilva
I would love if my family ate more cauliflower. This spiced roasted cauliflower looks so good and flavourful ,I can't wait to try it. Thank you!
Dannii
What a great way to use cauliflower. The flavours in this look amazing.
Alejandra
Looks so tasty and simple to make. I’m always looking for more healthy vegetable recipes, will definitely be trying this one next!