Super delicious Spicy Roasted Cauliflower! It's soft, sweet, smoky, juicy and caramelized and charred in all the right places. Make it the star of the show or serve as a side or appetizer.
PREP TIME: 15 minutesminutes
COOK TIME: 40 minutesminutes
TOTAL TIME: 55 minutesminutes
Servings: 6as a side
Ingredients
1largehead cauliflower, broken into evenly sized florets
3tbspchili powder, American style - IMPORTANT - If in Europe/UK see recipe notes
2teaspoonground cumin
2teaspoongarlic powder
2teaspoononion powder
1teaspooncayenne pepper
½tspblack pepper
1tspsalt
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C)
Scatter the cauliflower florets onto a very large baking tray, or use two medium-sized ones. It needs to be big enough for you to spread it out in a single layer and leave some room between each floret. I don't recommend using a lined tray. The cauliflower turns out best when it's in direct contact with the metal. However, if you're going the oil-free, aquafaba route, you will either need to use a good non-stick tray or line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking.
Have some hot, soapy water in the sink ready to wash your hands in. You'll need it ;O)
Drizzle the olive oil/aquafaba over the cauliflower florets, and using your hands, toss so each floret is pretty much covered.
Sprinkle over each of the spices/seasonings and using your hands again, toss and rub so all of the florets are really well covered.
Bake in the top half of the oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and give all of the florets a really good toss around again, scraping up the oily spices in the bottom. Be careful because it can splatter a bit.
Put back in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes more until it's sizzling, and the cauliflower is soft, caramelized and there are some charred areas forming.
NOTES
AN IMPORTANT NOTE RE THE CHILI POWDER - The chili powder used in this recipe is North American style. If you are in the UK or Europe DO NOT use 3 tablespoons of chili powder. The chili powder in the US and Canada is very different to yours. It is generally very mild and contains a mix of chili, paprika, coriander, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, allspice and cloves. UK chili powder is just made of chilis and is generally quite spicy and hot. If you use 3 tablespoons it will be far too hot. Instead, use half to one teaspoon depending on how hot you like your food.Making ahead - The cauliflower can be broken up into florets and tossed in the oil and spices up to 3 days ahead. Keep it in a large sealed container in the fridge and cook as directed when you're ready.How to store & reheat - Store leftover spicy roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat simply spread out on a baking tray and bake in a preheated to 400 °F (200°C) oven for about 20 minutes.