Top Spice-Roasted Cauliflower Recipe: Coconut Tomato & Lentils

Cauliflower sings with vibrant flavors in this spice-roasted cauliflower in coconut tomato sauce that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Warm, aromatic spices dance through each tender floret, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

The creamy coconut sauce weaves a rich narrative around perfectly roasted cauliflower pieces.

Hearty lentils add depth and protein to this wholesome dish, transforming a simple vegetable into a complete meal.

Comfort meets excitement on your plate with layers of complex, satisfying flavors.

Earthy spices and velvety sauce make this recipe a standout for anyone seeking a nourishing and bold dining experience.

Dive into this delectable journey and let your taste buds celebrate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients Used In Spice-Roasted Cauliflower In Coconut Tomato Sauce With Lentils

• Cauliflower: Crisp white vegetable that transforms into golden, caramelized delights when roasted.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect golden exterior and ensures even seasoning coating.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds depth and complexity to the cauliflower's flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky, rich undertone that elevates the entire dish's taste.
• Turmeric: Vibrant yellow spice that offers an earthy warmth and potential health benefits.
• Chili Powder: Optional heat booster that brings a zesty kick to the roasted cauliflower.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances and balances all the spice flavors.

• Lentils: Protein-packed legume that adds hearty texture and nutritional value to the dish.

• Coconut: Creamy ingredient that provides a subtle sweetness and luxurious texture.
• Tomatoes: Bright, acidic base that creates a rich and tangy sauce foundation.

Kitchen Tools For Spice-Roasted Cauliflower In Coconut Tomato Sauce With Lentils

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting cauliflower evenly.
• Parchment paper: Non-stick liner to prevent cauliflower from sticking and ease cleanup.
• Large bowl: Spacious container for tossing cauliflower with spices and oil.
• Measuring spoons: Precise tools for adding the right amount of spices.
• Spatula or tongs: Handy for flipping cauliflower midway through roasting.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting cauliflower into florets.

How To Make Spice-Roasted Cauliflower In Coconut Tomato Sauce With Lentils

• Oven Warmth

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Flavor Explosion

In a spacious mixing bowl, dance the cauliflower florets with a splash of olive oil and a symphony of spices. Swirl in cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and a whisper of chili powder for those who love a little heat.

• Golden Transformation

Spread the spice-coated cauliflower across the baking sheet like a delicious landscape. Let the oven work its magic, roasting the florets until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Peek in and give them a gentle flip midway through, ensuring every inch gets that perfect caramelized touch.

• Sauce and Comfort

While the cauliflower roasts, prepare a rich coconut tomato sauce and warm lentils. These will cradle your crispy, spice-kissed cauliflower in a luxurious embrace.

• Culinary Finale

Once the cauliflower emerges, crisp and fragrant, nestle it into the sauce. Each bite promises a harmony of textures and a burst of vibrant flavors that dance across your palate.

Tips For Spice-Roasted Cauliflower In Coconut Tomato Sauce With Lentils

• Roasting Perfection: Slice cauliflower into similar-sized florets to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
• Spice Balance: Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder to match your heat tolerance without overwhelming the dish's delicate flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Roast cauliflower and prepare lentil sauce separately up to two days in advance, then combine just before serving for a quick weeknight meal.
• Protein Power Boost: Transform this vegetarian dish into a complete protein by adding grilled chicken, pan-seared tofu, or roasted chickpeas on top for extra nutrition and texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace any dairy components with coconut milk or cashew cream to keep the recipe vegan-friendly while maintaining a rich, creamy sauce consistency.

Serving Up Spice-Roasted Cauliflower In Coconut Tomato Sauce With Lentils

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy basmati rice, allowing the spicy roasted cauliflower and rich coconut tomato sauce to seep into each grain for a mouthwatering experience.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of cooling yogurt, and toasted pumpkin seeds on top to add crunch, freshness, and a beautiful color contrast to the vibrant dish.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Create a complete meal by accompanying the cauliflower with warm pita bread, hummus, and a light cucumber salad, transforming the recipe into a delightful shared dining experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Enhance the nutritional profile by adding grilled chickpeas or pan-seared tofu alongside the lentils, providing extra protein and making the meal more filling and satisfying.

How To Store Spice-Roasted Cauliflower In Coconut Tomato Sauce With Lentils

• Fridge Storage Savvy: Keep leftover cauliflower and lentil dish in an airtight container for up to 4 days, maintaining best flavor and texture when refrigerated promptly after cooling.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Portion meal into individual containers and freeze for maximum 3 weeks, ensuring separated sauce and cauliflower to prevent soggy textures when reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in microwave with splashed water or reheat in covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore original moisture.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare roasted cauliflower and lentil sauce separately during weekly cooking session, allowing flexible combinations and quick assembly for fast weeknight dinners or lunch preparations.

Vibrant Spice-Roasted Cauliflower In Coconut Tomato Sauce With Lentils Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spice-roasted cauliflower in coconut tomato sauce dazzles with complex Indian-inspired flavors. Warm spices, creamy coconut, and hearty lentils create a satisfying vegetarian meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup (200g) dried lentils
• 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth or water
• 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can coconut milk
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Cooked rice, naan, or quinoa
• Lime wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Whisk olive oil with cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and optional chili powder in a spacious mixing bowl to create a vibrant, aromatic spice blend.
2. Cauliflower Coating: Gently tumble cauliflower florets into the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the fragrant seasoning.
3. Roasting Setup: Spread parchment paper on a baking sheet and arrange spice-coated cauliflower in a uniform, single layer to promote optimal caramelization and even cooking.
4. Oven Roasting: Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven, rotating midway through cooking to achieve golden, tender cauliflower with delicately crisp edges.
5. Sauce and Lentil Preparation: Simultaneously craft the coconut tomato sauce and cook lentils, creating a rich, multilayered foundation for the roasted cauliflower.
6. Plating and Serving: Once roasted, allow cauliflower to rest briefly before nestling into the warm, creamy coconut tomato sauce and positioning atop perfectly cooked lentils.

Notes

• Spice Coating Technique: Ensure each cauliflower floret is evenly and thoroughly coated with the spice mixture for maximum flavor infusion and consistent seasoning.
• Roasting Surface Optimization: Use a parchment-lined baking sheet and maintain a single layer spacing to prevent steaming, promoting crispy caramelized edges and even browning.
• Flavor Intensity Boost: Toast whole spices before grinding to release deeper, more complex aromatics that elevate the overall dish’s taste profile.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap lentils for quinoa or cauliflower for another roasted vegetable to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian dietary requirements while maintaining the recipe’s core flavor structure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 15g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 0mg