Baked Cauliflower with Spices

Name: Baked Cauliflower with Spices
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Cauliflower 1.75 lbs; Rustic breadcrumbs 0.8 cup; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 1.75 oz; Corn flour &frac13; cup; Curry ½ tsp; Sweet Paprika ½ tsp; Hot Paprika ½ tsp; Powdered turmeric ½ tsp; Powdered ginger ½ tsp; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste

it de es fr br

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Luisa Orizio

If you're looking to dive into something from the heart of Italian cuisine with a bit of a twist, this cauliflower gratin is, I gotta say, a must-try. Unlike the usual heavy béchamel sauce, this dish delivers a lighter, moist interior thanks to a clever double baking method. First, you bake the cauliflower until it's nice and tender. Then again—to get that extra crispy, golden top. Really, the combo of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs adds a satisfying crunch, while spices like nutmeg or smoked paprika give it a bold punch of flavor. And here's the deal: This method is popular in parts of Italy, showing how spices can really elevate a simple veggie dish into something special. You get all the richness of cheese without the heaviness, which is awesome, making it a perfect winter side that's both delicious and light.

This baked cauliflower dish is pretty versatile, you know? Serve it as a main or side. If you're hunting for a vegetarian option that feels filling, this one's your go-to. Pair it with roast meats or simple pastas, and you'll have a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. The golden, crispy crust will have you almost forgetting it's a vegetable dish. And look, Italian home cooks might swap in pecorino or toss in a bit of chili for an extra kick, but the core idea stays the same: take something simple, add some good spices, and bake it until the flavors meld beautifully. This cheesy cauliflower bake fits right into those lists of easy cauliflower recipes and healthy winter favorites. It's got that comforting vibe with just enough Italian flair to make you want seconds. Whether you're a fan of traditional Italian dishes or curious to explore new flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's a great way to enjoy veggies, proving they can be both exciting and really, really satisfying.

How to prepare Baked Cauliflower with Spices

To prepare the baked cauliflower with spices, start by cleaning the cauliflower: remove the base and outer leaves, then cut it into thick slices, using a sharp knife and trying to keep them as intact as possible 1. Gradually place the slices and smaller parts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then season them with a pinch of salt distributed evenly 2. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, ensuring to drizzle the entire surface of the cauliflower well 3, then bake in a preheated static oven at 392°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, just enough time to make it slightly tender.

Meanwhile, prepare the coating: pour the breadcrumbs into a bowl along with the grated Parmesan cheese 4, then add the cornmeal and a pinch of salt. Add the spices, starting with paprika, both sweet and spicy 5, and continue with the curry 6.

Add ginger 7 and turmeric 8 to the spice mix. Mix carefully until you get a homogeneous coating 9.

Take the cauliflower out of the oven and generously and evenly distribute the coating over all the slices, using a spoon and making it adhere well to the surface 10. Then put the tray back in the oven at the same temperature and continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, until the cauliflower is soft on the inside and the surface is golden and crispy 11. Once ready, take the baked cauliflower with spices out of the oven and serve it hot 12!

Storage

The baked cauliflower with spices can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

We do not recommend freezing.

Advice

To vary the aromatic profile, you can substitute curry and turmeric with cumin and ground coriander.

Adjust the spices according to your taste, increasing or decreasing the quantities as you like.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Baked Cauliflower with Spices

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Baked Cauliflower with Spices

Storage

Advice

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