Of all the delicious veggie options out there, cauliflower has made a name for itself as a staple of the vegan lifestyle. Its nutritional content and mild flavor make it a breeze to pair dishes of any flavor, from spicy to savory! However, that mild flavor can come with a fair amount of pressure. Amateur cooks struggle to decide: how should I prepare a truly delicious vegan roasted cauliflower?
With help from City Roots Hospitality, any amount of experience is enough to create a delicious vegan meal! We take pride in our ability to bring vast amounts of jaw-dropping flavor to every bite of our vegan menu. Read on to enjoy a vegan roasted cauliflower recipe that will leave every person at the table looking for a second plate.
To learn more about all that City Roots Hospitality brings to the table, check out our online catering menus and reach out for a quote today! Visit our website to explore any of the inspired, entirely vegan restaurants in our family.
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Food Prep Tip: Cutting Cauliflower
Though the core of a cauliflower head is entirely edible, separating the florets can create a more snackable, dippable side dish. Bagged, pre-cut cauliflower florets are often available at the grocery store, but this convenient option comes with a few setbacks. By buying whole heads of cauliflower, you can ensure that you get the best bang for your buck, with high quality at a far lower price.
Don’t trade away your money out of fear of improperly cutting cauliflower; simply follow this easy step-by-step guide to make the most of your cauliflower head and enjoy fresher, more affordable vegetables!
Start by removing all leaves from the base of the cauliflower. You can do this either with a sharp paring knife or by hand.
Next, cut the entire head of the cauliflower in half. This step can be the only one that may prove a challenge, depending on the size of your cauliflower. Be sure to use a well-sharpened knife and follow all safety precautions.
Now that you have two evenly sized cauliflower halves, cut each into fourths. From here, you should be able to easily pull away from the cauliflower florets from the core without having them crumble to pieces in your hand.
Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
The key to transforming the mild, slightly sweet flavor of cauliflower into something truly memorable lies in two areas: seasoning and handling. By properly seasoning and carefully roasting your raw cauliflower florets, you’ll have no problem creating a vegan side dish perfect for any meal!
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of onion powder
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1/3 tsp of turmeric
- 2 tsp of smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Begin by cutting your cauliflower head into florets. From here, place in a large bowl and toss in extra virgin olive oil.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add all seasonings, then mix until the cauliflower is fully and evenly coated.
- Place all cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet, then bake for fifteen minutes.
- Flip the florets, then bake until they are evenly browned and can easily be cut with a fork. Allow to cool, then enjoy!
While this easy side makes a fantastic addition to weekly meal prep, the florets lose the slightly crispy edge over time. Make the most of this snack by enjoying it straight out of the oven with your favorite dip!
Elevating Cauliflower with City Roots
Once you’ve gotten a handle on this easy, delicious side, you may begin wondering how to elevate this dish even further. Though you can roast and serve cauliflower as a whole, doing so takes more time, practice, and know-how, scaring off amateur chefs hoping to tackle another take of this crowd-pleasing veggie.
Once again, City Roots is here to serve!
Our whole-roasted cauliflower is sure to become a new favorite. Slow cooked to perfection and perfectly seasoned, our chefs roast the entire head of cauliflower to a smooth, delicate finish. The beautiful presentation comes second only to the mouthwatering flavor. Just one of many highlights to our entirely vegan menu, this whole-roasted cauliflower makes a perfect addition to your next reception, dinner party, or elevated family gathering.
To learn more about how City Roots Hospitality can bring this and other awe-inspiring vegan options to your next event, reach out for a quote today!