In time for Superbowl! If you are going to mindlessly munch, why not mindlessly munch on a snack that is both delicious AND won’t leave you groaning with an upset stomach even if your team wins? Or if you want, throw these in with all the junk food… for a groan-reducer. Maybe the anti-inflammatory properties of the cauliflower will cancel out some of that other stuff.

These little bites are popcorn inspired. I am not a fan of calling things what they are not. If I want popCORN, I will make popCORN. These are delicious on there own. Treat them like popcorn… give them oil so they roast and make crunchy bits… give them whatever seasonings you would put on popcorn… give them salt to make all the flavor shine… and if you can take it, give them heat! That bit of punch in the mouth spice makes these bites highly snackable.

Popcorn Style Cauliflower Munchy Snacks

Wash cauliflower and break up florets into popcorn sized pieces.

Place in a bowl and toss with a splash of oil. You will need about 2 T per one head of cauliflower. If you will be using Asian flavors, you may opt for peanut oil.

Sprinkle cauliflower with any seasonings you like! Add as much spice as you like. Salt, to taste. Pepper, if desired.

For TexMex munchies: This one has ancho chili powder, cumin, Mexican oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for heat. Cumin brings a delicious depth to this mix, but use just a pinch. It will enhance the chili flavor. Of course, if you don’t have Mexican oregano, any oregano will be yummy.

For “Cheesy” paprika: This batch is generously sprinkled with nutritional yeast, paprika, and a little garlic powder. If you do not want to make a Vegan dish, you can, of course, use Parmesan.

For Spicy Asian style: This one has ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, a few drops of sesame oil, and cayenne for heat.

These flavors go together and are delicious, but more than that – most of these seasonings are very anti-inflammatory. Cauliflower is also and anti-inflammatory food, making this version a one-two punch. Win-Win!

Spread seasoned cauliflower over a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Roast until they are nicely browned. I like to see some very dark crunchy pieces. This will take 20-30 minutes.

Popcorn Inspired Cauliflower Munchies

Ingredients

• whole cauliflower – 1-2 heads, or as many as you like
• cooking oil – preferably olive, coconut, or nonGMO canola
• salt, to taste
• spices, any that you like

For TexMex munchies: ancho chili powder, cumin (a little goes a long way), mexican oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne for heat, if desired

For “Cheesy” paprika: nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder

For Spicy Asian style: ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, a few drops of sesame oil, and cayenne for heat, to taste

Method

Set oven to 450º

Wash cauliflower and break up florets into popcorn sized pieces. Place in a bowl and toss with a splash of oil. You will need about 2 T per one head of cauliflower. If you will be using Asian flavors, you may opt for peanut oil.

Sprinkle cauliflower with any seasonings you like! Add as much spice as you like. Salt, to taste. Pepper, if desired.

Spread seasoned cauliflower over a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Roast until they are nicely browned. I like to see some very dark crunchy pieces. This will take 20-30 minutes.

Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

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