Tender cauliflower florets are coated with savory, slightly smoky, and earthy spices then roasted until it crisps up. Serve it beside an easy-to-make, refreshing tahini cilantro sauce. Tandoori cauliflower makes for a flavorful and healthy side dish, snack, or appetizer that's sure to win hearts.
Ingredients
Tandoori Paste
¾cupyogurt
2tablespoonscooking oil
1teaspoonEACH: coriander and paprika
½teaspoonEACH: cumin, fennel, turmeric, garam masala or curry powder, chili powder, and salt, see notes
2clovesgarlic, very finely minced
1inchpiece of ginger, finely grated
Juice of ½ lemon
The Tandoori Cauliflower
1largecauliflower, cut into florets
Minced cilantro and lemon slices, to serve
The Tahini Cilantro Sauce
½cupyogurt
¼cupfinely minced cilantro
2tablespoonstahini
Juice of ½ lemon
1clovegarlic, very finely minced
A generous pinch of sea salt
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all the tandoori paste ingredients.
¾ cup yogurt, 2 tablespoons cooking oil, 1 teaspoon EACH: coriander and paprika, ½ teaspoon EACH: cumin, fennel, turmeric, garam masala or curry powder, chili powder, and salt, 2 cloves garlic, 1 inch piece of ginger, Juice of ½ lemon
Place the cauliflower florets in a bowl and pour in the tandoori paste. Mix the cauliflower so that it is completely covered in the tandoori paste. Set the bowl aside for a ½ hour on your counter or in your fridge for up to 24 hours.
1 large cauliflower
Make the tahini cilantro sauce while the cauliflower is marinating. In a small bowl, whisk the yogurt, cilantro, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Add enough water to thin it to a dipping sauce consistency, about ⅓ cup water.
½ cup yogurt, ¼ cup finely minced cilantro, 2 tablespoons tahini, Juice of ½ lemon, 1 clove garlic, A generous pinch of sea salt
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Empty the bowl of marinating cauliflower onto the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 40 minutes, tossing halfway through.
Serve the tandoori cauliflower with cilantro and lemon slices and the tahini cilantro sauce on the side.
Notes
The tandoori paste is quite flexible. If you don't have all of the spices, don't fret. The most important spices for flavor are cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala or curry powder. The paprika adds mostly color.