ROASTED CURRIED CAULIFLOWER SALAD + QUINOA

Certainly, I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed recipe for Roasted Curried Cauliflower Salad with Quinoa. Let’s break it down step by step.

What is Roasted Curried Cauliflower Salad with Quinoa?

Roasted Curried Cauliflower Salad with Quinoa is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of roasted cauliflower with the aromatic spices of curry. It’s served with quinoa, which adds a protein boost and nutty texture. This salad is both flavorful and satisfying, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.

History:
The exact origin of this dish is not well-documented, but it likely draws inspiration from the rich culinary traditions of India and the Middle East, where both cauliflower and curry spices are commonly used in various dishes.

Components:

Here are the components you’ll need to make this salad:

For the Roasted Curried Cauliflower:

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Quinoa:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Salad:

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare Roasted Curried Cauliflower Salad with Quinoa:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Roast the Cauliflower:

   • In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, curry powder, salt, and pepper until they are well coated.
   • Spread the seasoned cauliflower on a baking sheet in a single layer.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender and has developed a nice golden color. Remember to flip the florets halfway through for even roasting.

3. Cook the Quinoa:

   • Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear.
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and salt.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
   • Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let it cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

5. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted cauliflower, chopped cilantro, mint, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.

6. Optional: Add Toasted Almonds
   If you’d like to add a crunchy element to your salad, sprinkle toasted almonds on top before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve your Roasted Curried Cauliflower Salad with Quinoa immediately or refrigerate it for a chilled salad option.

Preparation Time:
This recipe typically takes about 45-50 minutes to prepare, including the time for roasting the cauliflower and cooking the quinoa.

Now, you have a flavorful and nutritious Roasted Curried Cauliflower Salad with Quinoa recipe to enjoy!

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Roasted Curried Cauliflower Salad with Quinoa. Please note that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, but I’ll provide a general idea:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for 1 serving):

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Protein: 8-10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 7-9 grams
• Sugars: 5-7 grams
• Fat: 12-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1-2 grams
• Sodium: 350-400 mg

Health Information:

1. Rich in Fiber: This salad is high in dietary fiber, primarily from the quinoa and vegetables. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain a feeling of fullness, and supports overall digestive health.

2. Good Source of Protein: Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans to meet their protein needs.

3. Vitamins and Minerals: Cauliflower is a good source of vitamins C and K, while quinoa provides essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and manganese. These nutrients are vital for immune function, bone health, and energy production.

4. Antioxidants: The variety of colorful vegetables in this salad, such as cherry tomatoes and cucumber, provide antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids. These compounds help protect cells from oxidative damage.

5. Low in Saturated Fat: The salad’s fat content primarily comes from olive oil, which is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats. It’s low in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health.

6. Low in Added Sugars: The salad dressing may contain a small amount of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, but it’s relatively low in added sugars compared to many commercial dressings.

7. Balanced Meal: This salad offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal option.

8. Gluten-Free and Vegan Options: If you use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce and skip honey for a vegan alternative, this recipe can cater to various dietary preferences.

Remember that the specific nutritional values may vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes you use, so it’s a good practice to check labels and calculate nutrition facts if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions. Additionally, this salad is a versatile dish, and you can customize it to suit your taste and nutritional goals.