Sweet and Sour Cumin Cauliflower

This stunning Sweet and Sour Cumin Cauliflower is perfect for entertaining. It looks impressive but it’s so incredibly easy to make. You simply brush the cauliflower with turmeric oil then roast it until charred and tender. This gives you time to make the sweet and sour cumin glaze and the pomegranate mint salad, which both complement the cauliflower (and each other!) so well.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Ingredients
• Ah, Cauliflower
• Turmeric: The Golden Spice
• What’s Pul Biber?
• Creating the Sticky Cumin Glaze
• Pomegranate Mint Salad: A Fresh Contrast
• Serving Suggestions
• Where to Shop
• More Cauliflower Recipes
• Final Thoughts

Introduction

My Sweet and Sour Cumin Cauliflower is a delightful dish that serves as an impressive centrepiece for any meal. This recipe combines the earthy flavours of roasted cauliflower with a tangy, sweet, and spicy cumin glaze. The addition of a fresh pomegranate mint salad adds a burst of colour and freshness, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a special family dinner. Let’s delve into the ingredients and steps to create this delicious dish.

Key Ingredients

• Cauliflower: The main ingredient, offering a mild, nutty flavour that becomes wonderfully tender when roasted.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used for roasting and in the glaze, adding richness and depth.
• Turmeric: Adds a warm, earthy flavour and vibrant colour to the cauliflower.
• Cumin Seeds: Provide a warm, slightly nutty flavour to the glaze.
• Pul Biber (Aleppo Pepper): Adds a mild, fruity heat to the glaze.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall flavour with its aromatic quality.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess and balances the sweetness in the glaze.
• Agave Nectar (or Honey): Brings sweetness to the glaze.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Add a juicy, sweet-tart element to the salad.
• Fresh Mint: Adds a refreshing herbal note to the salad.

Ah, Cauliflower

I think cauliflower is highly underrated. It’s been cultivated for thousands of years and is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region. There are so many ways to prepare it: roasting, boiling, steaming or even mashing.

Select the right cauliflower to achieve the best flavour and texture. Look for a firm, compact head with creamy white florets and fresh green leaves. Avoid any heads with brown spots or soft areas. When stored properly in the fridge, cauliflower can last up to a week.

Cauliflower’s mild flavour makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It can absorb and complement a wide range of flavours, from bold spices to subtle herbs. Roasting cauliflower, as opposed to boiling, enhances its natural sweetness and adds a delightful depth of flavour. The high heat of roasting caramelises the edges, creating a crisp, tender texture that is far superior to the often bland and mushy results of boiling. This method makes cauliflower a standout ingredient in any dish.

For this recipe, your cooking time may vary based on the size of your cauliflower. You’ll know it’s done when it is tender but has a slight bite.

Turmeric: The Golden Spice

Turmeric, often referred to as the golden spice, is a vibrant yellow-orange root commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. It has a warm, earthy flavour and a slight bitterness, which adds depth to many dishes. Beyond its culinary uses, turmeric is celebrated for its medicinal properties, particularly due to its active compound, curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this recipe, turmeric not only imparts a beautiful colour to the cauliflower but also enhances its flavour.

What’s Pul Biber?

Pul biber, also known as Aleppo pepper, is a versatile spice used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. It has a mild heat and a fruity, tangy flavour, which adds a unique depth to dishes. Pul biber is commonly used in recipes such as kebabs, stews, and salads. Its moderate spiciness and rich flavour profile make it an excellent addition to this sweet and sour cumin glaze, balancing the sweetness and tanginess perfectly.

Creating the Sticky Cumin Glaze

The sticky cumin glaze makes this dish stand out. Begin by placing cumin seeds, pul biber, and minced garlic in a small heatproof bowl. Heat extra-virgin olive oil until hot and pour it over the spices. This step releases the essential oils from the spices, intensifying their flavours. Add apple cider vinegar and agave nectar, then season with salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture to combine and set aside until ready to use. This glaze adds a tangy, sweet, and spicy dimension to the roasted cauliflower.

Pomegranate Mint Salad: A Fresh Contrast

The pomegranate mint salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, roasted cauliflower. To make the salad, combine pomegranate seeds, finely chopped mint leaves, and apple cider vinegar in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to combine. The juicy, sweet-tart pomegranate seeds and the fresh, herbal mint create a vibrant and delicious topping for the cauliflower.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, place the roasted cauliflower on a plate and drizzle with the sticky cumin glaze. Scatter the pomegranate mint salad over the top. This dish pairs well with a variety of mains, including grilled meats, roasted fish, or as a standout vegetarian main course. It also makes an excellent addition to a mezze platter or as part of a holiday feast.

Where to Shop

You can find pul biber in some large supermarkets, but for an authentic blend, visit an international food market or shop online.

More Cauliflower Recipes

Looking to explore more cauliflower recipes? Why not try one of these?

• Tarka Roasted Cauliflower: Seared and roasted cauliflower quarters, topped with a quick, non-traditional Indian-inspired tarka.
• Whole Roasted Cumin Cauliflower: Whole roasted cauliflower, brushed with cumin oil and served over muhammara.
• Spiced Whole Roasted Cauliflower: Whole roasted cauliflower, slathered with a delicious Middle Eastern spice marinade and roasted until perfectly tender.
• Honey Harissa Cauliflower Parathas: Spicy, sticky cauliflower. A zingy green tahini dressing. Buttery, flaky parathas. What’s not to love?

Final Thoughts

Sweet and Sour Cumin Cauliflower is an impressive and flavourful dish that’s perfect for entertaining or a special family meal. Enjoy the delightful combination of roasted cauliflower, tangy cumin glaze, and fresh pomegranate mint salad for a truly memorable dining experience!