Best 3 Smoky Cauliflower Recipes

**Smoky Cauliflower: A Flavorful and Versatile Dish for Any Occasion**

With its tender texture and smoky flavor, roasted cauliflower is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish, main course, or appetizer. This delectable vegetable is packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for those seeking a balanced diet. Its smoky flavor profile adds an extra layer of depth and richness, making it a popular choice for vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike. In this article, we will explore various recipes that showcase the versatility of smoky cauliflower, from classic roasted cauliflower with paprika and garlic to more creative dishes like cauliflower steaks with chimichurri sauce and cauliflower tacos with avocado salsa. Whether you're looking for a simple side dish or a flavorful main course, these recipes will guide you in creating smoky cauliflower dishes that are sure to impress your taste buds.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

SMOKY CAULIFLOWER

Smoky Cauliflower image

The smoked Spanish paprika gives a simple side of roasted cauliflower extra depth. This is definitely a favorite. -Juliette Mulholland, Corvallis, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, broken into 1-inch florets (about 9 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

Place cauliflower in a large bowl. Combine the oil, paprika and salt. Drizzle over cauliflower; toss to coat. Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 450° for 10 minutes., Stir in garlic. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until cauliflower is tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 58 calories, Fat 4g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 254mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SMOKY CAULIFLOWER BITES

Smoky Cauliflower Bites image

These healthy little treats work well as a side or as fun bite size appetizers. Roasting the cauliflower adds deep flavor and gives it an irresistible crunch. -Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/8 teaspoon chili powder
1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets

Steps:

Preheat oven to 450°. Mix first 6 ingredients. Add cauliflower florets; toss to coat. Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Roast until tender, 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 129 calories, Fat 11g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 408mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CAJUN CAULIFLOWER FRIES WITH SMOKY REMOULADE

Cajun Cauliflower Fries with Smoky Remoulade image

Cut carbs by making fries with cauliflower instead of potatoes. You'll need to plan ahead for this, but they are so flavorful you'll be glad you did.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories Side Dish Vegetables Cauliflower

Time 2h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon minced dill pickle
2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
1 teaspoon Louisiana-style hot pepper sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 ounces cream cheese
1 large egg
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
cooking spray

Steps:

Combine mayonnaise, pickle, mustard, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate remoulade until ready to use.
Place cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 6 minutes. Transfer to a food processor in batches and process to the consistency of rice. Place riced cauliflower in the center of a clean dish towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Combine Cheddar cheese and cream cheese in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds. Stir and heat 30 seconds more. Add riced cauliflower, egg, Parmesan cheese, flour, parsley, and seafood seasoning and stir until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use clean hands to form cauliflower dough into wedge shapes and place on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the top of each wedge with cooking spray.
Bake in the preheated oven until crispy, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve with remoulade for dipping.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 194.7 calories, Carbohydrate 5.9 g, Cholesterol 45.3 mg, Fat 17.1 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 380.6 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

Tips:

To achieve a smoky flavor without a smoker, use a combination of smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and cumin.
To enhance the smokiness, roast the cauliflower over high heat until it gets slightly charred.
For a crispy texture, toss the cauliflower florets in cornstarch before roasting.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. You can add more smoked paprika, chili powder, or cumin for a spicier dish.
To make the dish more flavorful, marinate the cauliflower florets in a mixture of olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for at least 30 minutes before roasting.

Conclusion:

This smoky cauliflower recipe is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. It is perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course. With its smoky flavor and crispy texture, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So, fire up your oven and give this recipe a try today!