Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils

Roasted cauliflower with spices in flavourful coconut tomato sauce with red lentils is a delightful vegan dinner recipe. This Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils brings together rich flavors inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish at a gathering. With its vibrant colors and comforting taste, this meal is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: This dish comes together in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and coconut tomato sauce creates a rich and aromatic experience.
• Vegan-Friendly: Perfect for those following a plant-based diet without compromising on taste.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vegetables and lentils, this recipe provides a healthy dose of nutrients.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as a main course or side dish, paired easily with rice or flatbreads.

Tools and Preparation

To make this recipe smoothly, gather your essential tools before starting. Having everything ready makes cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Large skillet or braiser
• Small bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting the cauliflower evenly, ensuring it caramelizes beautifully.
• Large Skillet or Braiser: Perfect for sautéing ingredients and simmering the coconut tomato sauce.
• Blender: Optional but highly recommended for achieving a smooth sauce that combines all flavors seamlessly.

Ingredients

Spices & Seasoning

• ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground chillies
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek
• ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds

Vegetables & Base

• 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets (about 6-7 cups florets)
• 1 large shallot fine dice (about ½ cup diced shallot)
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

Liquids & Lentils

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ cup split red lentils
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes (from a can!)
• 1 cup full fat coconut milk
• 3 cups vegetable stock

Finishing Touches

• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus extra for serving
• Handful chopped cilantro, for serving
• Nigella seeds, for serving

How to Make Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Set out a large baking sheet to prepare for roasting the cauliflower.

Step 2: Make the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine the following spices:
1. Ground turmeric
2. Ground cumin
3. Ground chillies
4. Ground coriander
5. Ground cinnamon
6. Ground fenugreek
7. Fennel seeds

Stir well to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Roast the Cauliflower

Place all cauliflower florets on the baking sheet and proceed with these steps:
1. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Sprinkle half of the spice blend over the florets along with salt and pepper.
3. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Arrange the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet.
5. Roast until deeply caramelized (about 40 minutes), flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Prepare the Coconut Tomato Sauce

While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Add diced shallots and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5-6 minutes).
2. If they start browning too much, lower the heat.

Step 5: Incorporate Spices and Lentils

Add the rest of the spice blend along with minced ginger and garlic:
1. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in split red lentils.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable stock:
1. Stir well to combine.
2. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
3. Cook until lentils are soft (about 25 minutes), adding more vegetable stock if necessary.

Step 7: Blend (Optional)

Once cooked:
1. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Stir in lime juice.
3. For a smoother sauce, blend using an upright blender until completely smooth.

Step 8: Combine Cauliflower with Sauce

After roasting:
1. Remove cauliflower from oven.
2. Pour puréed sauce back into skillet.
3. Add roasted cauliflower; stir gently over medium heat until heated through.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your dish with chopped cilantro, nigella seeds, lime zest, and an extra squeeze of lime juice before serving!

Enjoy your delicious Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils!

How to Serve Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils

Serving Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils offers a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Rice

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully, making it a perfect base.
• Coconut Rice: Cooking rice in coconut milk adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the dish.

Add Fresh Greens

• Steamed Spinach: Lightly steamed spinach adds a nutritious touch and balances the richness of the sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.

Top with Crunchy Elements

• Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or cashews on top for added crunch and heartiness.
• Fried Onions: Crispy fried onions can bring texture and flavor, enhancing each bite.

Drizzle with Extra Flavor

• Chili Oil: A drizzle of chili oil can add heat and depth, tantalizing your taste buds further.
• Lime Wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows diners to add a zesty kick as they prefer.

How to Perfect Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils

To ensure your dish is absolutely perfect, consider these helpful tips that focus on flavor and texture.

• Spices: Use fresh spices whenever possible for maximum flavor. Ground spices lose potency over time.
• Proper Roasting: Make sure to spread the cauliflower florets evenly on the baking sheet. This ensures even roasting and caramelization.
• Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a creamy sauce, blending thoroughly will create a silky texture that coats the lentils and cauliflower beautifully.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice to suit your palate for optimal flavors.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes! Fresh cilantro and nigella seeds not only look great but also enhance the overall taste.

Best Side Dishes for Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils

Complement your main dish with these delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils.

1. Naan Bread: This soft Indian flatbread is perfect for scooping up the rich sauce.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and freshness, balancing out the heartiness of lentils.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the spicy elements of the dish.
4. Cucumber Raita: A cool yogurt-based raita helps mellow out any spiciness while adding freshness.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add a smoky flavor that complements the roasted cauliflower well.
6. Pickled Red Onions: Tangy pickled onions provide brightness and acidity that cut through creaminess beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Overcooking the cauliflower: If you roast the cauliflower too long, it can become mushy. Aim for 40 minutes at 425°F for a tender yet crispy texture.
• Not seasoning enough: Skipping adequate seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
• Ignoring lentil cooking time: Cooking lentils too quickly can result in a grainy texture. Allow them to simmer until soft, adding more liquid if necessary.
• Skipping the blending step: For a smoother sauce, blend the coconut tomato mixture. This enhances the dish’s creaminess and flavor depth.
• Using low-quality spices: Old or stale spices can diminish flavor. Always check your spices for freshness before using them in your spice blend.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils

• You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 20 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils.

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out cauliflower for other vegetables like broccoli or sweet potatoes based on your preference.

What can I serve with Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or naan bread for a complete meal.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, add more ground chillies or include fresh chopped chilies during cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better after the flavors meld together over time.

Final Thoughts

Spice-Roasted Cauliflower in Coconut Tomato Sauce with Lentils is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spice levels according to your taste. Give this comforting vegan dish a try—it’s sure to become a favorite!