Description
This Roasted Cauliflower recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare cauliflower by roasting it to tender, golden perfection with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Optional additions like lemon zest, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese add fresh and savory notes, making it a delicious side dish suitable for various diets.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Additional Seasoning Options
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Break the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even roasting.
- Toss with Olive Oil and Seasoning: Place the florets in a large bowl and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and several grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to allow proper roasting and browning.
- Roast Cauliflower: Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the florets are tender and caramelized around the edges. Stir once or twice during roasting for even cooking.
- Add Optional Seasonings and Serve: Once roasted, season to taste. Optionally, toss with lemon zest, chopped fresh parsley, and/or grated Parmesan cheese to add brightness and umami before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to cut the cauliflower florets uniformly for even cooking.
- Roasting time may vary depending on the size of florets and your oven; keep an eye to avoid burning.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Extra seasoning options like garlic powder or smoked paprika can be added for variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 100 grams)
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Fiber: 2.5 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
