How to make Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt and Chimichurri
This roasted cauliflower recipe is very easy to make, and full of nutrients. It can be served as a light lunch or dinner, or a side dish, especially during summer days.
Elevate your meals with this easy-to-make healthy recipe, which includes roasted vegetables, and creamy yoghurt topped with tangy chimichurri sauce. You can also make it vegan-friendly using a vegan option for yoghurt.
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Why this recipe works
This Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt and Chimichurri sauce is one of my favourite recipes. You can serve it on its own with a piece of freshly baked bread, giving you the ultimate satisfaction of a perfect comfort meal as it feels incredibly nourishing. The recipe uses simple ingredients, it only takes half an hour to make and will be a centrepiece on your table during any occasion.
Ingredients to make Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt and Chimichurri
The recipe consists of three parts: seasoning and roasting the cauliflower, making the chimichurri sauce and the yoghurt base.
Cauliflower – As the main ingredient of this recipe, cauliflower is a versatile vegetable known for its mild flavour and ability to absorb seasonings when roasted, resulting in a tender and slightly caramelized texture.
Parsley – An aromatic herb that adds a fresh and earthy flavour to dishes. In this recipe, it might be used in the chimichurri sauce for its bright and herbaceous notes.
Olive oil – Used for roasting the cauliflower, it enhances the vegetable’s natural taste and contributes to its tender texture while providing healthy fats.
Onion – A pungent and sweet ingredient that adds depth to the chimichurri sauce, lending a subtle sweetness and savoury undertones.
Coriander – A herb with citrusy and slightly spicy notes. It is utilized in the chimichurri sauce to provide a refreshing and zesty element.
Garlic – Known for its robust flavour, garlic adds a savoury and aromatic taste to the dish, contributing to the chimichurri sauce. Grating the garlic cloves will bring more flavour to the dish.
Red wine vinegar – This vinegar offers a tangy and slightly fruity flavour, providing acidity to balance the richness of the yoghurt and the savoury elements in the chimichurri.
Chilli powder – Adds a touch of heat and spice to the dish, offering a flavorful kick to the chimichurri sauce.
Yoghurt – The creamy Greek yoghurt serves as a rich and tangy base, complementing the roasted cauliflower and balancing the flavours of the tangy chimichurri sauce.
Substitutions
To obtain the taste and flavours of this recipe, it would be best to use the original ingredients, although creating a new recipe with the ingredients at hand can bring a new version to life. Here is a list of substitutions for this recipe:
- Cauliflower: Broccoli, Romanesco, or Brussels sprouts can be great alternatives. Other types of cauliflower such as purple, orange, green (Romanesco) or Cheddar, would work very well.
- Parsley: Substitute with cilantro (coriander) or fresh basil for a different herbaceous flavour.
- Olive oil: Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted butter can replace olive oil for roasting.
- Onion: Shallots or leeks can provide a similar oniony taste.
- Coriander: Cilantro leaves or parsley leaves are suitable substitutes for coriander.
- Garlic: Garlic powder or garlic paste can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic.
- Red wine vinegar: Replace with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for acidity.
- Chilli powder: Crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or paprika can offer heat and flavour.
- Yoghurt: Dairy-free alternatives like coconut yoghurt or soy yoghurt can be used instead of Greek yoghurt for a vegan option.
Variations
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese over the roasted cauliflower before serving.
- Nuts and Seeds: Incorporate toasted pine nuts, almonds, or sesame seeds for added crunch and nutty goodness.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free yoghurt or tahini instead of Greek yoghurt to cater to vegan preferences while maintaining creaminess.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the chimichurri sauce with a burst of citrus by adding a hint of lemon or lime zest for a refreshing twist.
- Pomegranate: Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds for an extra crunch.
How to make this recipe
Roast the cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, mix the cauliflower florets with olive oil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Then, place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden and tender.
After baking, you’ll get golden-brown cauliflower bites ready to be transformed into a fine dish.
How to make Chimichurri Sauce? What is Chimichurri made of?
For the Chimichurri Sauce you’ll need :
- 1 red, white, or shallot onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh coriander, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 diced chilli pepper or 1 tsp chilli powder
- Salt and pepper
To make it you just need to mix into a bowl the chopped onions, parsley, coriander, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, diced chilli pepper or chilli powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble: Add the cauliflower onto a plate, sprinkle evenly the homemade chimichurri sauce and serve while fresh.
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Recipe FAQs
Cauliflower, resembling a large white flower, belongs to the same family as broccoli and cabbage. It is low in calories yet abundant in vitamins and minerals, cauliflower serves as a nutritious choice and can be prepared in various ways, such as roasting, steaming, boiling, or even eaten raw in salads.
Besides the common white cauliflower, there are other cool colours too. Cauliflower can be found in purple, green (Romanesco Cauliflower), and even orange varieties. Every colour has a unique taste and nutrients, making them interesting ingredients for your recipes. So, don’t be surprised if you see a purple, green, or orange cauliflower at the grocery store! Please give them a taste and see which one you like the most.
Cleaning a cauliflower before cooking is easy! Start by holding the cauliflower under cool running water and gently rub it with your hands to remove any dirt. Peel off the outer leaves of the cauliflower and throw them away, they are not edible. Use a knife to carefully cut the florets (the little “trees”) from the main stem, leaving the florets in bite-sized pieces. Fill a bowl with water and add a pinch of salt, place the florets in the bowl and let them soak for a few minutes, this will help remove any remaining dirt. Now your cauliflower is clean and ready to cook!
You can roast the cauliflower with a drizzle of olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper. This way the cauliflower will get a nutty and subtle sweet taste.
Another way to enhance the taste of this vegetable is by sautéing the florets in a pan with crushed garlic and different herbs. You can also experiment with spices like paprika, cumin or thyme, bringing out a distinct taste.
Rosemary gives it a nice smell and earthy flavour when roasted or grilled.
Thyme adds a little tasty kick, perfect for when you steam or fry cauliflower.
For a fresh taste, parsley would be a great idea, it’s good for salads and makes the cauliflower look pretty too!
For a Mediterranean feel, use oregano in your cauliflower dishes.
Basil is great with tomatoes and makes cauliflower smell sweet.
Dill has a mild taste and can be used in cauliflower salads.
Frozen cauliflower florets can be a convenient and reliable option, but they may not be the same as fresh cauliflower in terms of texture and flavour.
Yes, cauliflower is considered a low-carb vegetable. It is known for being a nutritious vegetable with relatively low carbohydrate content compared to starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn. In general, vegetables that are low in carbohydrates are often recommended for people following low-carb or ketogenic diets.
Chimichurri is a zesty sauce, that adds a flavorful punch to various dishes! Whether paired with grilled steak, chicken, or pork, it enhances their taste. It’s equally fantastic with roasted veggies like potatoes or cauliflower.
For seafood fans, it’s a delightful addition to grilled shrimp or fish, creating a delicious fusion. Not just limited to main courses, a drizzle of chimichurri elevates rice or quinoa bowls with its rich taste.
This versatile sauce doubles as a dip for bread or a marinade for tofu, showcasing its lively flavours to elevate any meal!
Leftovers and storage
Refrigerate: Any roasted cauliflower leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or on a plate or bowl tightly wrapped with plastic wrap, for up to 2 days for optimal taste and safety.
Reheating: This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating.
Leftovers: Any leftovers would go great in tacos or wraps with your favourite fillings and sauces, like tomatoes, lettuce, fried tofu, etc.
What can you make with cauliflower?
With cauliflower, you can make lots of yummy dishes! Here are some ideas:
- Cauliflower Rice: Grate or blend cauliflower to make a healthy rice alternative for stir-fries or fried rice.
- Cauliflower Pizza Crust: Mix cauliflower with other ingredients to create a tasty pizza crust.
- Mashed Cauliflower: Boil and mash cauliflower for a delicious low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Cauliflower Steaks : Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake it in the oven for a flavorful side dish.
- Creamy Cauliflower Soup: Blend cooked cauliflower with broth and spices to make a creamy and comforting soup.
- Cauliflower Buffalo Bites: Cut cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, coat them in buffalo sauce, and bake for a spicy snack.
- Fritters: Mix grated cauliflower with flour and spices, then fry or bake them to make crispy fritters.
- Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry: Make a healthier alternative to traditional rice by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor to create cauliflower rice. Stir-fry it with your favourite vegetables, protein, and flavorful sauces for a quick and nutritious meal.
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Create a creamy and cheesy cauliflower-based sauce to replace the traditional cheese sauce in mac and cheese. Mix it with pasta for a comforting and nutritious twist on the classic dish.
- Tacos: Roast or grill cauliflower florets and serve them in taco shells with your favourite toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a delicious and meatless taco option.
- Cauliflower Curry: Add cauliflower to your favourite curry recipe for added texture and flavour. Whether it’s a coconut-based Thai curry or a rich Indian curry, cauliflower pairs well with various spices and sauces.
Craving for more cauliflower?
Pair your roasted cauliflower with these irresistible mains
Looking for more? Check out +20 Best Mains Easy Recipes!
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RECIPE
How to make Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt & Chimichurri
Equipment
- Baking Sheet or Roasting Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Food processor or blender
- Microplane or Grater: If you’re using garlic in the chimichurri sauce, a microplane or grater can be used to finely mince the garlic.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower florets from 1 cauliflower
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- A small bunch of parsley
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 red white, or shallot onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh coriander chopped
- 2 garlic cloves grated or finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 diced chili pepper or 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper
To serve:
- 3 heaped spoonfuls of Greek yogurt
- Freshly baked bread optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Put them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.Cauliflower florets from 1 cauliflower, 4 tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper, A small bunch of parsley
- While cauliflower roasts, make the chimichurri sauce. Mix onions, parsley, coriander, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, diced chili pepper or chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.1 red, 1 small bunch fresh parsley, 1 small bunch fresh coriander, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 diced chili pepper or 1 tsp chili powder, Salt and pepper
- On a serving plate, spread Greek yogurt. Once cauliflower is done, put it on the plate. Drizzle chimichurri sauce generously over it.3 heaped spoonfuls of Greek yogurt
- Serve with freshly baked bread if you want.Freshly baked bread
- Enjoy this tasty and healthy roasted cauliflower with chimichurri sauce and creamy Greek yogurt!
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