If you read my review of the fabulous restaurant Pardes, you may have noticed that my meal started off unconventionally, with a giant cup of smoked paprika popcorn. That stuff was so incredible that I went back for more. And more. And then I pulled my popcorn machine out from the basement and I even made my own. And finally, I realized that if I don’t stop with my smoked paprika popcorn addiction, I will need to check myself into a 12-step program for popcorn addicts.
I realized that what I really loved most about the popcorn, wasn’t the popcorn at all. It was the amazing smokiness of the paprika. I’m a huge fan of smoked paprika in general. I put it in my cholent, sprinkle it generously over my roasted chickpeas, and slather it all over my roasted chicken. So, I decided to come up with a healthier, less carby version of my favorite Pardes treat, using cauliflower to mimic the popcorn. And that’s how this delicious healthy version of smokey “popcorn” cauliflower came about. Don’t be shy with the paprika, douse it on heavily for optimum smokey flavor! This stuff is great for snacking or served alongside a piece of grilled chicken or steak!
Smoked Paprika Popcorn Cauliflower
2 small heads cauliflower, cut into florets (or one large)
6 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp kosher salt
Method:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, add oil, paprika and salt and whisk to combine. Add the cauliflower and stir until the florets are well coated. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet (or 2 sheets, if needed) and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the florets begin to brown around the edges.
1 year ago: my ultimate guilt-free breakfast
2 years ago: london broil with red wine reduction sauce
We often make this for shabbat dinner. I love the smokiness on the cauliflower!
where do you buy smoked paparika?
Any supermarket should have it in the spice aisle.
I’ve found smoked paprika at Trader Joes.
what a great snack, and so simple, too.
I never thought of putting smoked paprika on cauliflower! But it is amazing in my vegetarian cholent! I’ll be trying this out next time I get cauliflower!
thanks so much
can u give me the receipe for vegetarian chulent
This looks WONDERFUL to me. The rest of my family thinks they don’t like cauliflower but I think they may be stealing some of mine when I make this!
This looks like a great diet food but does it make the house smell?? I have to try this!
xo
Sharon
Make the house smell? Not at all!
Love the look, don’t yet know about the taste.
What a smart gourmet snack!
I would order this in a restaurant in a heartbeat!
Looks like a great snack for movie watching, I love the deep color the cauliflower takes on.
LOve any kind of cauliflower and think it makes a terrific snack! Healthy too. That said, I AM a popcorn addict, so I can’t give that up. How about both?
What a treat.. I want to try this with a hit of smoked salt too.
Cauliflower is one of those healthy foods that adapts to so many flavors and spices. Thanks for this delicious snack idea!
i love adding different spices to popcorn cauliflower. this looks great!
This looks so good! What a treat from traditional cauliflower recipes!
I usually make popcorn cauliflower with sweet paprika, but now i cant wait to try with smoked! Yum!
love the look – love the taste – I make a similar colorful cauliflower recipe with cumin and turmeric as well and I can’t stop eating it it’s such a delicacy!!!! and healthy!!!
We make popcorn cauliflower a lot but I have never tried it with smoked paprika. I will have to try it next time I make it.
Arielle made this for Shabbat right after this was posted!
Any substitute for smoked paprika? I couldn’t find it in my supermarket :(
In this recipe? Unfortunately, no. The smokiness is what makes it so good!
what size bag frozen cauliflower to sub?
I have never made this with frozen cauliflower so it’s hard to say – espeically since some brands make large florets (so you get a little in a bag) and some make tiny ones. If you want to make this with frozen cauliflower, thaw the cauliflower on paper towels and pat dry really well to remove as much water as possible before using.
If you don’t have smoked paparika but you do have paprika and liquid smoke add the liquid smoke to taste..
Great tip!
I love this cauliflower! Think it would work with broccoli too?
It would be different, but it could work.
Made this for my Purim seuda and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it! For real!! It is amazing and sooo simple 👍👍
Yay!! So glad to hear!
Will this freeze well?
I haven’t tried but I believe it would. Although it would probably lose it’s crispiness.
I made this. how do you keep it from wilting? And soggy?
Did you use fresh cauliflower or frozen?
This looks like an awesome dish to try. How do I keep it tasty and fresh(using fresh cauliflower) tasting if I serve it the next day?
Love all your recipes:)
Thank you
It’s definitely a challenge to keep cauliflower tasting fresh when serving the next day, unless you rewarm it at a high temperature to crisp it up a bit.
Thanks for sharing this recip!!! This sounds yummmm! Will definitely try it!