What Spices go Well With Cauliflower – 17 Amazing Dishes to Try

We all know that bland food is no fun. Unfortunately, a lot of vegetables can be quite plain on their own. Cauliflower is one of these vegetables. While it is an excellent source of nutrients, it can be quite boring to eat on its own. This is where spices come in.

Adding the right spices can turn a boring vegetable dish into a flavorful and exciting meal. But what spices go well with cauliflower? In this article, I will share 17 perfect spices for cauliflower.

As a child, I often helped my mother cook. One of my favorite dishes to make was roasted cauliflower with spices.

The cauliflower we used was always freshly plucked from our garden. My mother would hand it to me, and I would hold it close to my chest as I carried it into the kitchen.

I would then wash it thoroughly before chopping it into small pieces. My mother taught me that if you don’t wash the cauliflower properly, the spices won’t be able to penetrate it.

I had my favorite spices, but there were also others that my mother would use depending on what she was making.

All these years of cooking have taught me a lot about what spices go well with cauliflower.

Here are my top selections.

Best Spices For Cauliflower

  1. Parsley
  2. Cumin
  3. Cajun Seasoning
  4. Paprika
  5. Ginger
  6. Turmeric
  7. Onion
  8. Garlic
  9. Chili powder
  10. Mango powder
  11. Salt and Pepper
  12. Tarragon
  13. Bay leaves
  14. Coriander
  15. Rosemary
  16. Thyme
  17. Dill

Parsley

When you think of what spices go well with cauliflower, parsley is probably one of the first that comes to mind.

And this isn’t just because it’s a classic garnish. Parsley actually has a lot of flavor and can really enhance the taste of cauliflower.

I like to use it both fresh and dried. Fresh parsley has a more vibrant flavor, while dried parsley has a more subtle taste.

Cumin

Cumin is another choice option in the ‘what spices go well with cauliflower’ debate.

It’s a key ingredient in many Indian dishes and gives them their characteristic flavor.

Cumin is also used in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine. It has a warm, nutty taste and goes especially well with roasted cauliflower.

My favorite thing about this spice is its warm, earthy flavor that enhances the natural flavors of cauliflower.

Cajun Seasoning

If you’re looking for a spice that will give your cauliflower dish a little bit of a kick, Cajun seasoning is a great choice.

It has a bold, spicy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the cauliflower.

Paprika

This lovely spice brings both flavor and color to a dish. Its mild, sweet taste accompanies the nutty flavor of cauliflower rather well.

I love to use paprika in my cooking because it always makes the dish look so pretty. Apart from that, it’s also a very healthy spice. Try it, and you’ll love it.

Ginger

I frequently employ ginger in my cooking. It has a powerful, pungent flavor that compliments cauliflower’s sweetness.

The first time I ever used ginger in my cooking was when I made a ginger-spiced cauliflower dish for my family. It was a big hit!

Nevertheless, I would advise using ginger sparingly, as it can easily overpower the other flavors in the dish.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that has many health benefits. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to boost brain function.

It also gives food a beautiful yellow color. When used in moderation, turmeric can add a lovely flavor to cauliflower dishes.

Onion

Onion is a staple in my kitchen. I use it in almost all of my cooking, and it’s always a great companion for cauliflower.

It has a powerful, pungent flavor that sits well with the taste of cauliflower. I’ve tested this combination many times, and it always turns out well.

Garlic

There is nothing that garlic can’t make better. It has a strong, pungent flavor that enhances the natural flavors of cauliflower.

I’ve heard so many complaints about the smell of garlic, but in my opinion, it’s one of the best things about cooking with this spice.

However, let me just say that whenever you’re cooking with garlic, make sure to use it sparingly – a little goes a long way. And adding too much may be the reason why your dish doesn’t taste as good as it could.

Chili powder

If you want your cauliflower dish to have a little bit of heat, chili powder is a great choice. Its fiery flavor and the sweetness of the cauliflower are a match made in heaven.

You would not want to use too much of it, as it can easily overpower the other flavors.

Mango powder

I adore mangoes, but I’ve never thought to use mango powder in my cooking. But the day I discovered it, I knew that it would become a staple in my kitchen.

Mango powder is a spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a lovely fruity flavor that sets off the cauliflower’s nutty taste.

I would advise using it sparingly, as it can easily make the dish too sweet.

Salt and Pepper

There’s no argument that salt and pepper are two of the most essential spices in any kitchen. They are both versatile and work well with almost anything.

And, of course, they go very well with cauliflower. Salt enhances the natural flavors of the cauliflower, while pepper adds a bit of heat.

Tarragon

Tarragon is a spice that I often use in my cooking. Because of its estragole, an organic chemical, it has a licorice-like flavor that goes well with the sweetness of cauliflower.

It’s a versatile spice that can be used in many different dishes. It has this pungent, bittersweet flavor that I just can’t get enough of.

Bay Leaves

Another versatile spice is bay leaves, also known as laurel leaves, which may be used in a variety of recipes. They have a slightly minty flavor that complements cauliflower’s nutty flavor nicely.

Additionally, they have a strong, pungent flavor that goes well with the sweetness of cauliflower. I love to use bay leaves in my cooking because they add a beautiful aroma to the dish.

One funny thing about bay leaves is that they can be a choking hazard if eaten whole. So, make sure to remove them before serving!

Coriander

best spices for cauliflower

I do not want to leave out coriander, which is also known as cilantro. It comes from the same plant as chili peppers, and it has a strong, pungent flavor. It also has a slightly citrusy flavor.

Coriander goes well with the sweetness of cauliflower. It is also a versatile spice that can be used in many different dishes.

When used sparingly, it can add a lovely flavor to cauliflower dishes.

Rosemary

Believe it or not, I never thought rosemary was anything other than the name of a person until when I was introduced to it and decided to try it.

It has a woodsy, earthy flavor that tastes great alongside the nutty flavor of cauliflower.

If you want to try something new, I would recommend rosemary. It’s a spice that is often used in Italian cooking.

Thyme

what spices go with cauliflower

This spice has a strong, pungent flavor that goes well with the unique taste of cauliflower. It is popularly used in French cuisine.

It is also a versatile spice that can be used in many different dishes.

Thyme is one of my favorite herbs because it has a wonderful fragrance and adds a lovely taste to cauliflower dishes.

Dill

what spice goes with cauliflower

This is the last spice on my list, but it is by no means the least. Dill has a light, refreshing flavor and I am always delighted by how it enhances the taste of cauliflower.

It is commonly used in Scandinavian and German cuisine. Dill goes well with the sweetness of cauliflower, making it a perfect choice for those who want to add a bit of flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does cauliflower pair well with?

Cauliflower is a tasty and versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of flavors like celery, garlic, brussels sprouts, capsicum, corn, bok choy, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, and many more.

What are good spices for vegetables?

There is no definitive answer, as it depends on personal preference. However, some commonly used spices for vegetables include cinnamon, lemongrass, chervil, curry, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and basil.

How do you make cauliflower taste better?

There are a number of ways to make cauliflower taste better. One way is to roast it in the oven with some olive oil and your favorite spices. Another way is to steam it and then top it with a flavorful sauce or dressing. You can also try grilling or sautéing cauliflower for a different flavor profile. Lastly, don’t forget to experiment with different spices and herbs to find what you like best!

Conclusion

Cauliflower is a unique vegetable – it’s delicate and needs to be cooked just right. The key to making a delicious dish is using the right spices.

Personally, I always start with a base of cumin and coriander. These two spices provide a perfect balance of flavor and aroma. I then add in some turmeric, which gives the cauliflower a beautiful golden color.

For heat, I like to use black pepper or chili flakes. And finally, I finish it off with some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

That, my friend, is how you make a perfect cauliflower dish!

What Spices go Well With Cauliflower - 17 Amazing Dishes to Try

We provide you with 17 spices to enhance your meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Parsley
  • Cumin
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Chili powder
  • Mango powder
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Tarragon
  • Bay leaves
  • Coriander
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Dill

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred recipe
  • Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
  • Prepare your side dish
Keyword what spices go well with cauliflower