Intriguing, alluring, and powerful. The rich colors of roasted purple cauliflower make this vegetable so appealing. Just like white cauliflower, it is jam packed with all sorts of nutrients.
Cauliflower. Why does it have such a bad reputation? For the most part, people think it smells like fart, tastes sulfurous, and looks like “white broccoli.”
Well, I’m not one of those people. I happen to love cauliflower! Roasting is by far the easiest way to fall in love with cauliflower and all vegetables.
Purple Cauliflower
Look that this beautiful head of purple cauliflower. It’s packed with all sorts of nutrients and especially Vitamin C! Cauliflower comes in white, green, orange, and purple varieties. The taste doesn’t change with the different colored cauliflower.
However, the purple variety does have a bit more antioxidants than the standard white cauliflower.
The purple coloring is all natural. The antioxidant anthocyanin is responsible for that beautiful purple appearance. Colored cauliflower is available all year round.
Roasted Vegetables
In my opinion, the flavor of roasted vegetables is far superior to steamed vegetables.
Steamed vegetables are often mushy and flavorless. Steaming, boiling, and poaching are often at the top of “healthy” food preparation.
But, as a baker, the oven is my best friend. Roasting is my favorite way to cook vegetables! Simply toss cauliflower florets in some olive oil. Generously season with salt and pepper. Bake until caramelized.
Roasted purple cauliflower is an easy side dish that brightens any dinner table. It adds exciting color to the table. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter!
The process of roasting lightly caramelizes the sugars in the vegetables. Think of the difference in flavor when you eat steamed carrot versus roasted carrot. Roasting brings out the sweetness, savoriness, and nuttiness out of the vegetable.
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
- Baked Kimchi Cauliflower Rice is a healthier version of “fried rice” made with cauliflower!
- Roasted butternut squash is the key to this Autumn Squash Salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Homemade ricotta topped with slow roasted tomatoes is a wonderful end of summer appetizer!
Roasted Purple Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 head purple cauliflower, , cut into florets
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- kosher salt
- coarse black pepper
- chopped Italian parsley, , to garnish
- shredded parmesan cheese, , for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss cut cauliflower in olive oil. Make sure to coat entire surface of vegetable. Spread cauliflower into a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Do not over crowd pan, allow ample space.
- Generously season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges and flat areas of cauliflower have browned. Cook time may vary depending on size of your florets. Serve warm and garnish with chopped Italian parsley and shredded parmesan cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
PERFECT!
Roasted is the BEST way to cook some veggies(broccoli, asparagus). As I write this, I’m eating roasted broccoli, asparagus and purple cauliflower. I use EVOO and kosher salt and that’s it. So YUMMY!
Totally agree – can’t get enough roasted veggies! I added a little cumin but it didn’t need it at all – purple cauliflower is so flavorful on its own. Less is more, as you said :)
We just received this beautiful, deep purple cauliflower in our CSA box. I love roasting, mashing, or riding regular white cauliflower. Thank you for showing me I can roast this beauty just like I normally do.
You’re welcome! Deep purple cauliflower! I bet it’s beautiful and tasty! Happy roasting :)
Parchment paper I have says it withstands heat up to only 420 degrees. Going to try 30 min at 425 or so,
I’ve never seen a purple cauliflower. This is so pretty! I’m going to search for one, I must try.
Hi Norma, this was my first time cooking with purple cauliflower. It’s so pretty that I didn’t even want to cook them! Try checking out Frieda’s Inc, they can help you find them!
Love the color! And roasted cauliflower are my fav. Making some tonite. Though mine aren’t purple
Roasted cauliflower is so simple yet so delicious! I love the color, too :)