There is something so warm about Moroccan spices, especially in Winter. They are dark, intensely flavorful and they enhance the flavor of a rather bland vegetable like cauliflower. This Roasted Cauliflower with Moroccan Spices and Curried Yogurt has layers of Moroccan spices–in the cauliflower and in the creamy yogurt sauce. Think curry, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander and of course, my favorite, smoked paprika.
I am always looking for ways to make side dishes more interesting and appealing. Main courses always seem easy to create but side dishes can be so zzzzzzzzz. Being inventive with sides may be a challenge but I love thinking of things that are different and versatile.
Want something a bit spicy?
You can be playful with this recipe and add cayenne pepper to the spice mixture before roasting the cauliflower. You can increase the curry powder in the yogurt sauce if you want it a bit spicier as well. Or, if you are like me, you like the spice level a bit lower so the other flavors are more prominent.
Easy Weeknight Side Dish
No need to go overboard with a complicated main dish when this Roasted Cauliflower is your accompaniment. There is so much personality to this dish that a simple grilled fish, chicken or even a burger is all you need to please everyone.
It’s not a cold salad (I mean it’s Winter after all) so it is perfect for this freezing cold weather. If you want to serve it as a salad, that is fine also. you can chill the Roasted Cauliflower, mix the yogurt and curry mixture and spoon that over when you are ready to serve. A sprinkle of raisins (if you like that sweet and savory combination, as I do) is a welcome addition along with the freshness of some chopped cilantro.
Beauty on a plate
And last, but not least, this Roasted Cauliflower with Moroccan Spices and Curried Yogurt Sauce really looks beautiful arranged on a plate in a decorative pattern. Remember….you eat with your eyes and this dish makes it easy to get creative!
Roasted Cauliflower with Moroccan Spices and Curried Yogurt
This is a delicious side dish served warm. Rich with dark Moroccan spices and a sweet and savory sauce, this cauliflower is not your ordinary side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower white or purple
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ teaspoons curry powder divided
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup Greek yogurt full or non-fat
- 1 teaspoon honey
- chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- 1 tablespoon raisins optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Separate cauliflower into large florets, place in a large bowl toss it with the olive oil.
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In a small bowl mix the 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder, cinnamon, turmeric, smoked paprika, sea salt, coriander and maple syrup.
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Pour the spice mixture over the cauliflower and mix well. Place the cauliflower on the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes until the cauliflower is just fork tender all the way through. Let cauliflower cool for 10-15 minutes.
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In a medium bowl whisk the Greek yogurt, the remaining 1 teaspoon of curry powder and the honey. With a large spatula, spread the yogurt decoratively on a plate and arrange the cauliflower over the yogurt. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and raisins, if desired.