Crispy Spiced Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce and Fresh Garnishes Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Cauliflower recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that transforms simple cauliflower into a crunchy, spiced delight. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side, it pairs beautifully with a tangy yogurt tahini sauce and vibrant garnishes.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-large cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 3/4 cup plain Greek-style yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
• 1/4 cup tahini paste (stirred)
• 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3/4-1 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Optional garnishes: parsley, cilantro, arugula, sliced cherry tomatoes, pickled piquant peppers, lemon zest, chili flakes (Aleppo or Urfa Biber), sumac, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (convection if possible) or set an air fryer to 390°F.
2. Step 2: Cut the cauliflower into small florets and place them in a large bowl.
3. Step 3: Toss the cauliflower with the oil, then add smoked paprika, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and cracked black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly, adding enough oil for the spices to stick.
4. Step 4: For air fryer: Arrange cauliflower in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until tender and crispy.
   For oven: Spread cauliflower on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crisp and tender.
5. Step 5: While the cauliflower cooks, make the yogurt tahini sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, salt, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Adjust seasoning and lemon juice to taste. Reserve lemon zest for garnish.
6. Step 6: To assemble, spread the yogurt tahini sauce on a large plate or platter. Pile the crispy cauliflower on top.
7. Step 7: Garnish with pickled onions, herbs like parsley or cilantro, lemon zest, chili flakes or sumac, and any combination of pine nuts, slivered almonds, sliced piquant peppers, arugula, or cherry tomatoes.

Tips & Variations

• Use convection baking or an air fryer for extra crispiness without added oil.
• Swap cumin seeds for ground cumin if you prefer a more even spice coating.
• Try different garnishes like fresh herbs or nuts to customize flavor and texture.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and adjust seasoning as desired.

Storage

Store leftover crispy cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to help maintain crispness, as microwaving may soften the texture. Keep the yogurt tahini sauce separate and add fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses fresh cauliflower and spices without any gluten-containing ingredients.

How do I make the cauliflower extra crispy?

Using a convection oven or air fryer helps achieve better crispiness by circulating hot air around the cauliflower. Also, ensure the florets are dry before tossing them in oil and spices.

Crispy Spiced Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce and Fresh Garnishes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 95 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy Cauliflower is a flavorful, oven-roasted or air-fried vegetable dish seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic, served with a creamy yogurt tahini sauce and vibrant garnishes. It delivers a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and creaminess, ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower and Seasoning

• 1 medium-large cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Yogurt Tahini Sauce

• ¾ cup plain Greek-style yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
• ¼ cup tahini paste (stirred)
• 1–2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¾–1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Optional Garnishes

• Parsley, cilantro, or arugula
• Sliced cherry tomatoes
• Pickled piquant peppers
• Lemon zest
• Chili flakes (Aleppo or Urfa Biber) or sumac
• Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 425°F (convection preferred) or an air fryer to 390°F to prepare for roasting the cauliflower.
2. Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into small florets and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and toss well to coat.
3. Add Seasonings: Add smoked paprika, cumin seeds, sesame seeds (if using), granulated garlic powder, salt, cayenne (optional), and cracked black pepper. Toss again to evenly coat the cauliflower with spices and oil.
4. Cook Cauliflower: For air fryer, spread cauliflower evenly and cook at 390°F, tossing every 5 minutes, about 12–15 minutes until tender and crispy. For oven, arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crisp.
5. Make Yogurt Tahini Sauce: While cauliflower cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini paste, minced garlic, salt, and lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning and lemon to taste. Reserve lemon zest for garnish.
6. Assemble the Dish: Spread the yogurt tahini sauce evenly on a large serving plate or platter. Pile the crispy cauliflower on top.
7. Add Garnishes: Garnish with pickled onions (if made), herbs like parsley or arugula, lemon zest, chili flakes or sumac, toasted pine nuts or almonds, sliced cherry tomatoes, and pickled piquant peppers as desired.

Notes

• Use avocado or olive oil for best flavor and healthy fats.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level or omit for mild taste.
• For vegan version, substitute the Greek yogurt with plain vegan yogurt.
• Mixing spices well with oil ensures better crisping and flavor coating.
• Keep tossing the cauliflower in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Optional garnishes add texture, color, and complementary flavors—feel free to customize.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Crispy Cauliflower, roasted cauliflower, yogurt tahini sauce, vegetarian side dish, Mediterranean vegetables, healthy snack, oven-roasted cauliflower, air fryer cauliflower