Name: Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower , cut into florets; 2 garlic cloves , minced; 2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1.5 tsp chipotle powder (more or less for spiciness!) (note 1); 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lime juice (1 medium to large lime); 1 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves , finely chopped (optional, sub parsley or chives)

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Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower is a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish that elevates any meal. Made with crisp cauliflower florets, it embraces a delightful balance of spiciness and zesty lime. When roasted, the cauliflower develops a caramelized exterior that enhances its natural sweetness, making every bite a celebration of flavor. This dish is perfect for health-conscious eaters looking to indulge in something delicious without the guilt.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower

I first stumbled upon this gem during a casual dinner party. I needed a side dish that would wow my guests without requiring hours in the kitchen, and Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower was just the answer. It’s so simple yet packs a punch that rivals any elaborate recipe. If you’re after something easy, quick, and simply irresistible, you must give this dish a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep, this dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chipotle and lime creates a zesty flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its golden edges and fresh green herbs, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side for any meal or a healthy snack, it’ll fit seamlessly into any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and vegan, it caters to various dietary needs without compromising on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets: Cauliflower serves as the star of this dish, providing a crunchy texture that holds up well during roasting.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant depth of flavor, complementing the heat of the chipotle.
2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: This oil not only helps the cauliflower roast beautifully but also brings healthy fats to the dish.
1.5 tsp chipotle powder (more or less for spiciness!): Chipotle powder adds that unique smoky heat—adjust it to fit your spice tolerance!
3/4 tsp salt: A crucial ingredient for enhancing all the flavors in this dish, use good quality kosher salt where possible.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a punch that balances the lime’s acidity.
1 tbsp lime juice (1 medium to large lime): Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and adds a refreshing tang.
1 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves, finely chopped (optional): This herb adds a pop of color and an additional layer of flavor.

How to Make Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower

Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). This step ensures your oven is hot enough to roast the cauliflower perfectly.

Prepare the cauliflower: In a large bowl, place the cauliflower florets. Drizzle with 2.5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle in 2 minced garlic cloves. Using your hands, mix well to ensure the oil coats all the florets evenly.

Season: Next, add 1.5 teaspoons of chipotle powder, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together until the cauliflower is well-coated—this step is crucial for that flavorful bite.

Roast: Spread the seasoned cauliflower onto a baking tray in a single layer. Bake for about 25 minutes, tossing the florets halfway through. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are beautifully caramelized and the florets are tender.

Add lime juice: Once out of the oven, gently push the roasted cauliflower together on the tray and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. The warm cauliflower will absorb the lime’s tang, making it even more flavorful.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped coriander or cilantro leaves, if using, for a fresh touch. Serve the dish hot, and you’ll witness how it steals the show at your table!

Storing & Reheating

Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower can be stored at room temperature for about 2 hours before it needs cooling. For longer storage, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn, using it within 3 months for the best flavor. When reheating, a quick stint in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes will help revive its crispy texture, though it may be slightly softer after freezing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to cut the cauliflower florets into uniform sizes so they roast evenly.
If you want a little added crunch on the outside, broil for the last 2-3 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
Add a sprinkle of cheese before roasting for an indulgent twist; parmesan or feta works wonderfully.
Consider tossing the cauliflower with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful mix.
If you love a bit of sweetness, feel free to drizzle honey or maple syrup over the cauliflower just before it finishes roasting.

Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower embodies the kind of dish that elevates your table without fuss. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and makes complete sense next to hearty bowls of rice or quinoa. The versatility is matched only by the flavor—once you taste it, you’ll find it hard to want anything else.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the water thoroughly before seasoning. Note that the texture might be slightly softer, but it will still be delicious.

What if I can’t find chipotle powder?

You can easily substitute it with smoked paprika, which will give you a similar smoky flavor, although without the heat. You might want to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the cauliflower and season it ahead, storing it in the fridge for up to a day before roasting. That way, you have almost no work to do when mealtime rolls around!

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For more heat, consider adding some cayenne pepper or increasing the amount of chipotle powder. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving for an extra kick.

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Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

Chili Lime Roasted Cauliflower features a burst of flavor from chipotle and lime, making it a perfect healthy side dish for any meal. This easy recipe is quick to prepare and sure to please all palates.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head cauliflower , cut into florets
2 garlic cloves , minced
2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1.5 tsp chipotle powder (more or less for spiciness!) (note 1)
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lime juice (1 medium to large lime)
1 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves , finely chopped (optional, sub parsley or chives)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F.
In a large bowl, add the cauliflower florets. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic. Mix well, ensuring the oil coats all the cauliflower pieces.
Add chipotle powder, salt, and black pepper over the cauliflower. Toss to ensure an even coating.
Spread the seasoned cauliflower on a baking tray. Bake for 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and the cauliflower is tender.
Once baked, remove from the oven and push the cauliflower together on the tray. Drizzle lime juice over the top.
Sprinkle with chopped coriander (or parsley/chives) and serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the amount of chipotle powder based on your spice preference.
For a twist, add other spices like cumin or paprika.
Serve as a tasty side for grilled meats or as a vegetarian main with quinoa.