Curried Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt and Pistachios

Curried roasted cauliflower is the star of the show here and is delicious all on its own. When served over creamy yogurt and topped with pistachios, dried cranberries and fresh cilantro, it becomes a vibrant, flavor-packed vegetarian meal.

Roasted Curried Cauliflower

Roasting cauliflower is my favorite way to bring out the best in this rather neutral-flavored vegetable, transforming it into something entirely different — caramelized, tender and delicious. Add curry powder to the mix and you get those warm, aromatic spices combining with the caramelized edges to create a big flavor payoff.

What I love about this recipe

• Turns cauliflower into something crave-worthy: curry-spiced, tender and caramelized.
• Simple to prepare: You can do all the other prep while the cauliflower roasts, then simply assemble and enjoy.
• Layers of flavor: simple ingredients that work beautifully together.
• Healthy and wholesome: just vegetables, yogurt, herbs and spices.
• Feels a little gourmet: sometimes you want a dish that makes you feel like you're eating at an elegant restaurant — and this one delivers.

Recipe Walk-Through

Here's an overview of this recipe, with photos. Be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full details.

Ingredients for Curried Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt and Pistachios

Here's what you need to make this:

• Cauliflower - one whole large head, cut into bite-sized florets
• Cilantro - roughly chopped
• Curry Powder - I highly recommend using Madras curry powder
• Rice Vinegar - unseasoned
• Plain yogurt - not Greek
• Shelled pistachios - roughly chopped
• Dried cranberries or yellow raisins - for some sweet fruity notes that go well with the curry flavors.
• Plus olive oil and salt

How To Make Curried Roasted Cauliflower

In a large bowl, whisk up the olive oil, curry powder and salt and then add the cauliflower florets and toss well until all the oil and curry powder cling to the cauliflower and there’s none left in the bowl.

Heat the oven to 425ºF. Spread the curry-coated florets out on a rimmed baking sheet and roast them for 30 minutes. The high heat of the oven will get the cauliflower tender with some caramelized crispy browned edges.

While the cauliflower is roasting in the oven, wash and chop the cilantro, rough chop the pistachios, and make the curry vinaigrette.

When the cauliflower comes out of the oven, add the dried cranberries (or raisins, if using) right into the hot pan and mix them with the cauliflower. Sometimes dried fruit can be hard, and the heat of the pan will soften them up and enhance their flavor.

The curry vinaigrette couldn't be simpler to make. Heat some olive oil in a small saucepan. Add curry powder and cook, stirring, for one minute. Add the vinegar and done!

How To Serve This Curried Roasted Cauliflower Dish

To serve, spread plain yogurt onto individual plates. To make it look pretty, spoon the yogurt in the center of each plate and use the back of a tablespoon to spread it into a wide circle.

Spoon the warm cauliflower and cranberries over the yogurt.

Drizzle the warm curry vinaigrette over the top, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and cilantro.

Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Two Tips for the Best Curried Roasted Cauliflower

These two things will up your roasted curried cauliflower game significantly:

1. Use Madras Curry Powder from Sun Brands: I don't call myself an expert on curry blends but I have been cooking for decades and I've tried many different curry powders over the years. The one that never disappoints and is easy to find is Madras by Sun Brands. Many chefs and specialty spice importers agree that this particular curry powder reigns supreme.
2. Roast the Cauliflower at a high temperature: You can cook cauliflower at a low temperature but you won't get those delicious browned bits that have all the great flavor. High heat is the way to go if you love that rich caramelization. Plus, when your cauliflower is coated in curry powder, the high oven heat toasts that curry which intensifies its flavors.

If you're looking for more of a cauliflower salad or side dish, try my Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Tahini Dressing — a reader favorite.

If you make this curried roasted cauliflower dish, I hope you'll come back to leave a star rating and a comment. I'd love to know what you think!

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