Prepare to transform the humble cauliflower into a Mediterranean masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance! This Roasted Cauliflower with Hummus, Olives, and Feta recipe is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines crispy, golden-brown cauliflower with creamy hummus, tangy feta, and briny Kalamata olives. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup hummus
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even roasting.
- Thoroughly wash the cauliflower head and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure each floret is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Spread the seasoned cauliflower florets in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking, until edges are golden brown and crispy and the florets are tender.
- While cauliflower is roasting, prepare the serving plate by spreading a smooth layer of hummus as the base.
- Once cauliflower is roasted, immediately transfer the hot florets onto the hummus-covered plate.
- Sprinkle chopped Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese over the warm cauliflower.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately while the cauliflower is still warm and crispy, allowing the heat to slightly melt the feta cheese.
Tips
- For the most even roasting, ensure your cauliflower florets are cut into similar, bite-sized pieces. This guarantees consistent cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Use a large, rimmed baking sheet and avoid overcrowding the florets. Giving each piece space allows for proper caramelization and prevents steaming.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of za'atar or dried oregano to the olive oil and spice mixture before roasting.
- Choose a high-quality, creamy hummus as your base – it makes a significant difference in the final presentation and taste.
- Serve immediately while the cauliflower is still warm to enjoy the contrast between the crispy roasted florets and the cool, creamy hummus.
- If you want to make this dish vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
