Description
Deliciously tender and golden roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with paprika, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, perfect as a healthy side dish or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 10 cups)
Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (or dairy-free alternative such as Violife)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) to ensure it is hot enough to roast the cauliflower to golden perfection.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the florets and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with oil.
- Season Cauliflower: Sprinkle paprika, salt, and ground black pepper over the oiled cauliflower. Toss again to distribute the spices evenly across all florets.
- First Roast: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cauliflower is golden and tender.
- Add Garlic and Optional Cheese: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the minced garlic and parmesan cheese if using, evenly over the roasted cauliflower. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to infuse garlic flavor and melt the cheese.
- Finish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and immediately drizzle fresh lemon juice over the cauliflower. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for best flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, you can roast the cauliflower a few minutes longer, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- To keep it dairy-free, omit the parmesan or substitute with a plant-based cheese option.
- For an added kick, sprinkle chili flakes along with paprika before roasting.
- Make sure to use fresh garlic and add it towards the end of roasting time to avoid burning and preserve its flavor.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or can be enjoyed as a healthy snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American