Whole Roasted Cauliflower- Keto friendly, Low carb, whole 30

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This Whole Cauliflower roast recipe is here to transform how you see this vegetable. With a golden, turmeric-infused, crispy spiced crust served with creamy tahini sauce, this oven-roasted cauliflower makes for a great vegan or vegetarian main or side dish you’ll ever try.

Whole oven–roasted cauliflower is baked until a crust if formed outside and it is moist and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside.

Think you’ve had cauliflower every way? Wait till you taste this magical baked cauliflower! Whether you’re a fan of roasted cauliflower recipes or hesitant about trying it, this recipe will change your mind.

It’s vegan, grain-free, gluten-free, low carb, fiber rich, whole 30 and Keto approved recipe if you are following any of these.

Why Try This Recipe?

Simple yet elegant: This dish is visually stunning and incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Packed with flavor: The turmeric-infused rub gives it warmth, while the tahini sauce adds creaminess and balance.
Versatile meal option: Works equally well as a hearty vegan main or a delicious vegetarian side dish.
Healthy and nutritious: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and plant-based goodness, this recipe checks all the health boxes.
Customizable: You can tweak the seasoning, garnishes, or sauce to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Cauliflower: The star of the show, its florets soak up the seasoning while turning tender and flavorful in the oven.
Olive oil: Ensures even roasting and crispiness while carrying the spices beautifully. I use a very high quality olive oil that infuses a lot of flavour.
Turmeric and seasonings: Adds color and warmth, making the roasted cauliflower vibrant and aromatic.
Tahini: Creamy and nutty, this sauce elevates the flavors, tying the dish together perfectly.
Parsley and pistachios: A fresh, nutty garnish that adds a pop of color and crunch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Here’s step by step pictures to show the whole process of making roasted cauliflower along with making spice rub and tahini sauce.

Preparing whole cauliflower for the roasting

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prep the cauliflower: Remove the stems from the cauliflower and boil the whole cauliflower head in a large pot of salted water for 5 minutes.

Step2 - Making spice and seasoning rub to apply over pre steamed cauliflower.

Make the rub: In a bowl, mix all the seasoning rub ingredients until smooth.

Step 3 - Roasting whole cauliflower in the oven

Season and roast: Drain the cauliflower, place it in a roasting dish, and brush the rub all over its surface evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes at 400F.

Making the best tahini Sauce for whole roasted cauliflower

Prepare the sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, mix tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and water until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
Garnish and serve: Pour half the tahini sauce on a serving platter, place the roasted cauliflower on top, and drizzle the remaining sauce. Garnish with parsley and pistachios.

Substitutions You Can Make

Oil: You can use avocado oil instead olive oil.
Mustard: If Dijon mustard isn’t available, use yellow mustard or a teaspoon of vinegar for tang.
Sweetener: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness.
Nuts: If pistachios aren’t handy, almonds or sunflower seeds work well for garnish.

Creative Variations You Can Try

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the rub for some heat.
Herbaceous twist: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the seasoning for added depth.
Cheesy delight: Sprinkle nutritional yeast or grated vegan cheese over the cauliflower before roasting.
Smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika in the rub for a delicious smoky edge.
Mini versions: Use cauliflower florets instead of a whole head for bite-sized pieces.

Tips to Make The Best Roasted Cauliflower

Boil the cauliflower first: This step ensures even cooking and a tender interior.
Brush evenly: Use a barbecue brush to coat the cauliflower fully with the rub for maximum flavor.
Don’t skimp on roasting time: Let the cauliflower roast until golden and slightly crispy.
Adjust the sauce: Add water gradually to get your desired tahini sauce consistency.

How to Serve it

Serve this oven-roasted cauliflower as a stunning centerpiece for a vegan or vegetarian dinner. It pairs beautifully with warm pita bread, couscous, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it alongside other roasted vegetables or grain dishes for a hearty, balanced meal.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the cauliflower in advance and reheat it before serving.

How can I make this spicier?

Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the rub for extra heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for most diets.

Can I use a different sauce?

Of course! Hummus, yogurt sauce, or even marinara can work well.

Why boil the cauliflower first?

Boiling softens the cauliflower, ensuring even cooking and a tender texture after roasting.

More Such Recipes

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Eggplant Pizza Pakora

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