Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower is a healthy, low carb snack packed with flavors and infused with herbs and spicy peppers.
It is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, as roasting the cauliflower brings out its sweetness, and the peppers and herbs enhance the spicy flavors.
This is perfect for a snack, side dish or appetizer and at only 5g net carbs, it fits in perfectly with a low carb or keto diet.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a yellow spice related to ginger, grown in Asia and Central America but used in cuisines around the world. It is quite earthy and has a slightly bitter taste but tastes better when paired with other spices.
It is considered a superfood as it is chock-full of powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Also, It contains a bioactive compound called Curcumin which helps to improve the immune system, boost brain development, and improve arthritis and joint pain.
Turmeric vs Curry
Even though they look similar, turmeric and curry are not the same spice. For one, turmeric is a single spice while curry is a spice blend.
Though turmeric is actually what gives curry its yellow color, curry usually contains more than one spice which includes turmeric, cumin, bay leaf, cloves, pepper, fenugreek or even cinnamon.
Different blends have different combinations of these in different quantities and that’s why it varies in taste between different brands.
Can I substitute curry powder for turmeric?
Yes, in this recipe, curry powder can be substituted for turmeric. Though you would not reap all the medical benefits that turmeric provides, curry will still provide a spicy, flavorful, healthy cauliflower snack.
Warning about turmeric stains
Turmeric has a very bright yellow color and one might say, anything it touches turns to gold. Well, technically not everything but there are a few things it will stain – your nails, teeth, clothing, and countertops, among others.
It might not be a good idea to wear white clothing when making this recipe, as it might be rapidly dyed a yellow color which might be difficult to remove. Just in case, here are some remedies for removing turmeric stains.
Recipe Instructions
For this recipe, I used a whole head of cauliflower, olive oil, cayenne pepper, pepper flakes, turmeric, salt, cajun seasoning, and parsley.
First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Then, cut the cauliflower into florets of approximate size. Don’t worry if there are not all perfectly the same size as this is difficult to achieve, just do the best you can.
In a small bowl, pour in the oil and all the spices and mix thoroughly. Don’t add the parsley in just yet. You can use any spices you have on hand and modify the amount of pepper used to your level of spiciness.
Remember I mentioned turmeric can and will probably stain your nails? For this next step, where you mix in the cauliflower with the spices, you will probably need gloves if you want to do it with your hands in a large bowl.
But a more effective and simpler way is to put the cauliflower in a large resealable plastic bag, pour in the oil and spices, close it tight and mix till the cauliflower is thoroughly coated. Voila! Mess avoided.
Line a baking pan with parchment paper and spread out the cauliflower, making sure they are not packed tightly. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
If you want it extra crispy, turn off the oven when done and leave the cauliflower for an extra 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or other herbs and serve.
This is a great snack or side dish you will make over and over again, as it is so versatile, tasty and satisfying. Cauliflower is loaded with fiber so it fills you up pretty quickly.
It also makes an excellent side dish to our popular Shish Kebab or Baked Catfish recipes. It also pairs perfectly with this Vegetable Beef Stew with Cabbage. So delicious!
Try these other delicious, low carb side appetizers and dishes!
Sauteed Green Beans & Mushrooms
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Combine the olive oil, cayenne pepper, pepper flakes, turmeric, salt, cajun seasoning in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Put the cauliflower in a large resealable plastic bag, pour in the oil and spices and mix till the cauliflower is thoroughly coated.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper and spread out the cauliflower, making sure they are not packed tightly.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- If you want it extra crispy, turn off the oven and leave the cauliflower for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley or other herbs and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Other Helpful Resources:
10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin
Are the health benefits of turmeric too good to be true?
What Is the Difference Between Curry & Turmeric?
I made this last night and my husband and I LOVED it. Neither of us especially like cauliflower, so I was surprised how delicious it was! Thanks for the recipe!
I'm so glad to hear that, Kate!