Prepare to transform an ordinary vegetable into an extraordinary centerpiece that will have your dinner guests utterly mesmerized! This Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Cumin Turmeric isn't just a side dish—it's a flavor explosion that turns a humble cauliflower into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. With just a few simple ingredients and some culinary magic, you'll create a stunning, golden-brown marvel that's as visually impressive as it is delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole cauliflower
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Carefully remove the green leaves from the cauliflower base, keeping the core intact. Rinse the cauliflower thoroughly under cool water and pat dry completely with paper towels.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, uniform spice mixture.
- Place the whole cauliflower on a cutting board and gently brush the entire surface, including the bottom and between the florets, with the prepared spice oil mixture. Ensure even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Transfer the seasoned cauliflower to a cast-iron skillet or roasting pan, positioning it core-side down for stable roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and a knife can easily pierce the thickest part of the cauliflower.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the internal temperature to stabilize and flavors to settle.
- Carefully transfer to a serving platter and garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Slice and serve hot, optionally accompanied by yogurt sauce or lemon wedges for added zest.
Tips
- • Always ensure your cauliflower is completely dry before applying the spice mixture to help achieve that coveted crispy exterior. • Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy roasting pan for even heat distribution and optimal browning. • Don't be afraid to generously coat the entire cauliflower with the spice oil—this is where the flavor magic happens! • Check doneness by inserting a knife into the thickest part; it should slide in smoothly. • Let the cauliflower rest for 5 minutes after roasting to allow flavors to settle and make slicing easier. • For extra presentation points, serve on a beautiful platter and garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
