This delightful Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Recipe brings together the rich, nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower with the creamy tang of tahini yogurt. A sprinkle of za'atar adds a hint of Middle Eastern flair, while the pomegranate seeds and mint lend sweetness and freshness. It's a vibrant, healthy side dish that's easy to prepare and packs a flavor punch.
This recipe includes ingredients like tahini and za'atar that may not be common in all pantries. Tahini is a paste made from sesame seeds and is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisines. It's available in most supermarkets in the international food section. Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that includes sumac, sesame seeds, thyme, and salt. It's also available in most supermarkets or online.
Ingredients for Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt
Cauliflower: The main component of this recipe, provides a hearty texture and soaks up the flavors well.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the cauliflower, adds a subtle richness.
Za'atar: A Middle Eastern spice blend that adds a savory, tangy flavor.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Greek yogurt: Forms the base of the tahini yogurt sauce, its tanginess complements the nutty tahini.
Tahini: A sesame seed paste that adds a creamy, nutty flavor to the sauce.
Lemon: Adds freshness and acidity to balance the rich flavors.
Mint leaves: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
Pomegranate seeds: Provides a sweet, juicy contrast to the other flavors.
Pine nuts: Adds a crunchy texture and rich, buttery flavor.
One reader, Feodor Leighton says:
This roasted cauliflower with tahini yogurt recipe is a game-changer! The cauliflower turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful, and the tahini yogurt sauce adds a creamy, tangy touch. The combination of pomegranate seeds and pine nuts is a delightful surprise. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their veggie game!
Techniques Required for Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Recipe
How to roast the cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, za'atar, and cumin, then spread them in an even layer on baking sheets and roast in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F for 18 to 22 minutes until crisp, tender, and browned in spots.
How to make the tahini yogurt sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and mix well to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
How to assemble the dish: Spread the tahini yogurt on a serving platter, arrange the roasted cauliflower on top, and then sprinkle with fresh mint, pomegranate seeds, and pine nuts. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
How To Make Roasted Cauliflower With Tahini Yogurt
Whip up this well-seasoned roasted cauliflower served with a flavorful and zesty sauce made with yogurt, tahini, and lemon, topped with mint and pine nuts!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cauliflower:
- 2headslarge cauliflower
- 6tbspolive oil
- 1¼tspkosher salt
- ¼tspblack pepper
- 1tbspza’atar
- 1tspground cumin
For Tahini Yogurt Sauce:
- 1cupGreek yogurt,full-fat
- 3tbsptahini
- 1lemon,zested
- 1lemon,juiced
- 1tbspextra-virgin olive oil,good quality
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspblack pepper
For Assembly:
- ¼: 5px; letter-spacing: 2px”>½cuppomegranate seeds
- ¼cuppine nuts,toasted
- 1tbspextra virgin olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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Remove the large, tough outer leaves from the cauliflower, and reserve any smaller, tender leaves.
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Cut cauliflower into medium florets.
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In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, salt, pepper, za’atar, and cumin.
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Spread in an even layer on 2 baking sheets, making sure the florets have some space between them.
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Roast the cauliflower for 18 to 22 minutes, until crisp, tender, and browned in spots.
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Set aside.
Tahini Yogurt Sauce:
-
While cauliflower roasts, make the tahini yogurt sauce.
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Combine the yogurt, tahini, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and mix well.
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Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
To Assemble:
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To assemble, spread the tahini yogurt almost all the way to the edges of a serving platter.
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Arrange the cauliflower on top of the yogurt, letting the yogurt peek out on the sides.
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Scatter the mint, pomegranate seeds, and pine nuts over the cauliflower.
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Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower and serve immediately.
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Enjoy.
Recipe Notes
The tahini yogurt will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 282.32kcal
- Fat: 22.25g
- Saturated Fat: 4.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.94g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.33g
- Carbohydrates: 17.37g
- Fiber: 6.04g
- Sugar: 7.29g
- Protein: 8.74g
- Cholesterol: 4.79mg
- Sodium: 502.46mg
- Calcium: 111.45mg
- Potassium: 744.91mg
- Iron: 2.41mg
- Vitamin A: 6.79µg
- Vitamin C: 110.74mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Recipe
When roasting cauliflower, it's important to give the florets enough space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which won't give you the desired crispy, caramelized edges. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure each floret has plenty of room.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Roasted Cauliflower Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and season the cauliflower in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-made sauce: Consider using store-bought tahini sauce to cut down on preparation time.
Multi-task: While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the tahini yogurt sauce to maximize efficiency.
Invest in quality tools: Use sharp knives and efficient kitchen tools to streamline the prep process.
Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and kitchen tools in an organized manner before starting the recipe to avoid last-minute searches.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Cauliflower With Tahini Yogurt Recipe
cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli has a similar texture and flavor profile to cauliflower, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a good alternative for roasting the cauliflower.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in this recipe, providing a similar level of saltiness.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder flavor and a different visual appearance.
za'atar - Substitute with sumac, thyme, and sesame seeds mix: This combination can replicate the earthy, tangy, and nutty flavors of za'atar.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can provide a similar warm and citrusy flavor to the dish.
greek yogurt - Substitute with coconut yogurt: Coconut yogurt can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
tahini - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for tahini, offering a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide the acidity and tanginess that lemon juice offers in the tahini yogurt sauce.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for roasting and dressing.
fresh mint leaf - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish, complementing the roasted cauliflower.
pomegranate seeds - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can offer a similar sweet and tart burst of flavor to the dish.
pine nuts - Substitute with sliced almonds: Sliced almonds can provide a similar nutty crunch and flavor to the dish.
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for extra virgin olive oil, providing a mild flavor and high smoke point.
Best Way to Present Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt
Elevate the plating: Arrange the roasted cauliflower in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each floret is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce a pop of color by sprinkling the dish with vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh mint leaves, creating an eye-catching and appetizing presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the tahini yogurt sauce to act as a canvas for the cauliflower, creating a visually striking contrast.
Garnish with texture: Add a delightful crunch to the dish by scattering pine nuts over the cauliflower, providing a textural element that enhances the overall dining experience.
Drizzle with finesse: Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add a touch of elegance and depth of flavor to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making This Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
- Oven: An appliance used for roasting, baking, and cooking food by exposing it to dry heat.
- Baking sheets: Flat, rectangular metal sheets used for baking and roasting in the oven.
- Large bowl: A container for mixing and tossing ingredients, often used for marinating or coating food.
- Medium bowl: A container for mixing and preparing smaller amounts of ingredients.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing spoon: A utensil used for stirring and mixing ingredients in a bowl or pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Whisk: A utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients, especially in sauces and dressings.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food items.
- Zester or grater: A tool used for grating or zesting citrus fruits and adding flavor to dishes.
- Citrus juicer: A tool used for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as lemons or limes.
- Serving utensils: Tools such as tongs, spatulas, and serving spoons used for serving and portioning food.
Storing and Freezing Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt
- The roasted cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- The tahini yogurt sauce can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before using, as the sauce may separate slightly over time.
- To freeze the roasted cauliflower, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the frozen cauliflower on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- It's not recommended to freeze the tahini yogurt sauce, as the texture and consistency may change once thawed. Instead, prepare the sauce fresh when you plan to serve the roasted cauliflower.
- When ready to serve, assemble the dish by spreading the tahini yogurt sauce on a platter, arranging the reheated roasted cauliflower on top, and garnishing with fresh mint leaves, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
How to Reheat Leftover Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a quicker option, reheat the cauliflower in the microwave. Place the florets in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as the cauliflower can become mushy.
If you have an air fryer, this is a great way to reheat the roasted cauliflower while maintaining its crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the cauliflower in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the florets are heated through and crispy.
For the tahini yogurt sauce, simply give it a good stir before serving. If it has thickened up in the refrigerator, you can thin it out with a little lemon juice or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
To add a fresh twist to your leftover roasted cauliflower, try tossing it with some freshly chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint before reheating. This will brighten up the flavors and give the dish a new lease on life.
If you want to transform your leftover roasted cauliflower into a new dish altogether, try pureeing it with some vegetable broth or cream to make a delicious and healthy soup. You can also add the cauliflower to a frittata, quiche, or pasta dish for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Interesting Fact About Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from roasted cauliflower with tahini yogurt to cauliflower rice and cauliflower pizza crust.
Is This Roasted Cauliflower Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this roasted cauliflower with tahini yogurt recipe is quite high. Cauliflower is an affordable and nutritious vegetable, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in households. The olive oil and tahini may be the most expensive items, but they are versatile and can be used in various recipes. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly and delicious option for a family meal.
Is This Roasted Cauliflower Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This roasted cauliflower with tahini yogurt recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish. Here's why:
- Cauliflower is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins (C, K, and B6), and minerals (folate, potassium, and manganese).
- Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
- Greek yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.
- Tahini (sesame paste) is rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
- Za'atar and cumin add flavor without excessive sodium or unhealthy additives.
- Pomegranate seeds offer antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Pine nuts provide healthy fats, protein, and minerals.
The combination of ingredients creates a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various micronutrients.
To make this dish even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt to reduce the overall fat content
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe, or use a cooking spray to minimize added fats
- Add more colorful vegetables to the roasting pan, such as bell peppers or red onions, to increase the variety of nutrients
- Serve the roasted cauliflower over a bed of leafy greens, like spinach or arugula, to boost the fiber and vitamin content of the meal
- Replace pine nuts with chopped almonds or walnuts for a more budget-friendly and heart-healthy option
Editor's Opinion on Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Recipe
The roasted cauliflower with tahini yogurt recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The cauliflower is perfectly seasoned and roasted to a crispy, golden brown, while the tahini yogurt sauce adds a creamy and tangy element. The addition of fresh mint, pomegranate seeds, and pine nuts provides a burst of freshness and crunch. This dish is not only visually stunning but also a delicious and satisfying option for a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish. The balance of flavors and the beautiful presentation make it a standout dish for any occasion.
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Why trust this Roasted Cauliflower With Tahini Yogurt Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful culinary experience, as it features roasted cauliflower with a perfect blend of za'atar, cumin, and olive oil. The tahini yogurt sauce, enriched with tahini and Greek yogurt, adds a creamy and tangy dimension. The garnishes of pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and fresh mint elevate the dish, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. With the careful selection of ingredients and meticulous instructions, this recipe promises a delectable and wholesome dining experience.
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