Made By Emily
Side Dishes

Spanish-Inspired Garlic and Smoked Paprika Cauliflower

Simple and delicious cauliflower recipe for easy meal preparation

Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
  • Course: Side dish
  • Calories: Approximately 150 per serving

Ingredients

  • 700 g (about 1.5 lb) cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika powder
  • Olive oil, about 2 tablespoons (30 ml), plus more as needed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a medium pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 2 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  3. Add the drained cauliflower to the pan. Sprinkle evenly with sweet smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to coat all florets in the seasoning and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cauliflower should brown lightly and become tender.
  4. Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for bright color and freshness. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

  • Avoid overboiling the cauliflower to maintain a slight crunch.
  • Cook garlic just until fragrant, as burnt garlic can add unpleasant bitterness.
  • To deepen flavors, cook a few extra minutes until cauliflower develops a golden crust.

Nutrition Estimate

  • Calories: ~150 per serving (based on 4 servings)
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fat: 9 g

Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.