Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is healthy, flavorful, naturally vegetarian, and easy to prepare. The roasted cauliflower develops deep, savory notes, while the tahini-yogurt sauce adds richness without feeling heavy, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
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Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce: A Bold, Creamy, and Wholesome Mediterranean-Inspired Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden roasted cauliflower served with a creamy, nutty tahini-yogurt sauce, finished with lemon and garlic for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed for thinning)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin until evenly coated.
- Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and deeply golden.
- While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and water until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer roasted cauliflower to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with tahini-yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for heat.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cauliflower
Forms the hearty base of the dish and becomes tender and caramelized when roasted.
Olive oil
Helps the cauliflower roast evenly and enhances its natural flavor.
Garlic powder
Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the cauliflower.
Paprika
Provides warmth and light smokiness to the roasted florets.
Salt
Enhances the natural sweetness of the cauliflower.
Black pepper
Adds gentle heat and balance.
Greek yogurt
Creates a creamy, tangy base for the sauce.
Tahini
Adds nutty richness and classic Middle Eastern flavor.
Lemon juice
Brightens the sauce and balances the tahini’s richness.
Garlic
Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
Water
Thins the sauce to a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Adds freshness and color for finishing.
Directions
Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet. Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets and place them on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss well to coat evenly, then spread into a single layer.
Roast until the cauliflower is tender inside and golden brown with crisp edges, flipping once halfway through to ensure even roasting.
While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the tahini-yogurt sauce. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a small amount of water until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the tahini-yogurt sauce or serve it on the side. Finish with chopped fresh herbs and serve warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Roasting time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover roasted cauliflower and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat the cauliflower in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness. The sauce can be served cold or brought to room temperature before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
Add chili powder or cayenne for extra heat.
Smoky Version
Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Vegan Option
Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt.
Roasted Broccoli Alternative
Swap cauliflower for broccoli florets.
Herb-Heavy Sauce
Blend parsley or cilantro directly into the sauce.
Garlic Lover’s Sauce
Add extra garlic or roasted garlic for richness.
Middle Eastern Twist
Finish with sumac or za’atar seasoning.
Nutty Crunch
Top with toasted pine nuts or almonds.
Lemon-Tahini Boost
Increase lemon juice for extra brightness.
Sheet-Pan Meal
Add chickpeas to the roasting pan for protein.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, but roast it straight from frozen and expect less crispness.
Should I steam the cauliflower first?
No, roasting raw cauliflower gives the best texture and flavor.
Is tahini bitter?
Tahini can be slightly bitter, but yogurt and lemon balance it well.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well refrigerated for up to three days.
How do I keep the cauliflower crispy?
Spread it in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Can I air-fry the cauliflower?
Yes, air-fry until golden and tender, shaking halfway through.
What pairs well with this dish?
Grilled meats, rice bowls, pita, or salads pair beautifully.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add cheese?
A sprinkle of feta works well if desired.
Can kids enjoy this dish?
Yes, the creamy sauce makes it very kid-friendly.
Conclusion
Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that transforms everyday ingredients into something deeply flavorful and satisfying. With its crispy roasted texture and creamy, tangy sauce, it works beautifully as a side or a light main. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this recipe brings Mediterranean-inspired comfort and bold flavor to any table.
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