Spiced Black Beans with Turmeric Roast Cauliflower
Simple but incredibly delicious spiced black beans with golden roast turmeric cauliflower. Packed with flavour and made from mostly store cupboard ingredients.
I love this recipe! Not only is it super speedy, incredibly easy and deliciously nourishing, but it’s one of those recipes that often gets overlooked because of how simple it is.
But don’t be too quick to judge a simple recipe, they are loved for a reason, plus they come in super handy when you are in a tight spot or don’t want to cook.
This one is an adaptation from an old Madhur Jaffrey (one of my foodie idols) recipe. It’s created using simple store cupboard ingredients but put together in such a way that it layers those familiar flavours for the ultimate comfort recipes and you guys know me, I’m all about comfort food, especially when it tastes as good–it’s definitely one to have up your sleeve for impromptu dinner parties with friends or quick, lazy weekend dishes.
The perfect combination of texture, colour and flavour that the whole family can enjoy. But please don’t be scared of all the different spices that this recipe has. They perfectly balance each other out and means you’re able to easily adjust to your own heat and spice preference.
Black beans are an ingredient, like this recipe, that I often overlook which is something I really need to change as they are a great protein source, provide a dish and your body with a lot of fibre and can help you stay fuller, for longer, which makes this dish the ultimate lunch or dinner recipe.
If you have any black bean recipes that you absolutely love, please let me know, so I can give them a go!
I’ve paired my black beans which have been spiced with turmeric, cumin and chilli topped with golden roasted cauliflower which absorbs all the delicious flavours perfectly and then scoop it up with flatbreads (I have a quick step-by-step tutorial on how to make the best effortless flatbreads here) and a big fresh slaw for added crunch and texture and, of course, with a big dollop of coconut yogurt swirled on top to make it extra creamy and luxurious!
You can even serve this with roast potatoes or rice for an extra warming carb hit.
This recipe is all about the cooking time. All those wonderful spices you put in infuse into the black beans and cauliflower adding extra layers and depth of flavour to the dish. Plus, it does all its cooking for you, so you can sit back and relax and breathe in all the wonderful flavours.
I always make extra portions when creating this recipe because the flavours are even better the next day once they have developed and infuse all the wonderful components, plus it freezes and keeps really well, making it the perfect meal-prepping dish.
Just portion out and freeze in jars or individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge–it can be kept in the freezer for a few weeks.
It’s also super adaptable, meaning you can use up and add any leftover veggies in the fridge on the side or swap out for your favourite ingredients.
Swap out the black beans for chickpeas or another white bean variant.
Try roasting broccoli instead of cauliflower for a delicious vibrant twist.
Add a swirl of coconut yoghurt or a drizzle of tahini dressing for extra creaminess and luxury.
If you can’t get hold of asafoetida (an Indian spice), leave it out. It works just as well without it.
If you like this recipe, why not give one of my other cauliflower recipes a try? This Whole Roast Cauliflower is paired with a Smokey Tomato Sauce, Chickpeas and a Cucumber Mint Dressing for a show stopping centre-piece.
I’ve paired Roast Cauliflower with Courgette, Wild Garlic Pesto and a Butter Bean Salad as an homage to the wild garlic season and the lighter dishes we are now experiencing in spring.
Plus, my Smokey Cauliflower and Lentil Stew is the ultimate dish in comfort food–especially when served with flatbreads to soak up all that wonderful flavour.
Ingredients
For the cauliflower
- 1 medium head of cauliflower chopped up
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Big pinch sea salt
- Black pepper
- Big pinch chilli flakes
For the black beans
- 1 onion roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic sliced
- 1/2 tsp asafoetida
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
- 10 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 can organic black beans–including the water
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions
To make the cauliflower
- Pre heat the oven to 180C.
- Add the oil and spices to a large bowl and mix well.
- Cut cauliflower up into florets, then add them to the bowl with the oil and splices. Mix well.
- Add to a large roasting pan. Roast for 20 minutes, then turn. Continue to roast for a further 20 minutes until the cauliflower is cooked and golden brown. Remove from the oven.
To make the beans
- First, add the oil to a large frying pan and heat to a medium heat. Add in the onion and fry for approx 8-10 minutes until soft and browning. Add in the garlic and fry for a further minute.
- Add the spices and cook for a minute. Add in the cherry tomatoes and cook for a further 3 minutes until they are softened. Now add a splash of water if needed.
- Add the black beans with their liquid and cover and simmer for 10 minutes
- Season really well.
To serve
- Delicious with flatbreads and slaw.
72 Responses
This was really delicious. I wondered what kind of slaw you suggest to go with It. Thanks!
Wonderful!
There’s a few on my site if you search for ‘slaw. I like my creamy one.
Love, Niki xxx
Looks amazing! Has anyone had any luck using dried beans instead of canned in this recipe? (Soaked and cooked probably, but I’m mainly wondering about the whole can of beans + water aspect)
This recipe is amazing!
I added some coconut milk and chopped cilantro at the end and served over brown rice. This one will be a repeat for sure. Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic! so happy to hear xxx
Thanks for sharing this recipe! Really delicious and, for me, unexpected spices for black beans and cauliflower. I was looking for a simple recipe for ingredients I had on hand. This was a wonderful treat!
Great recipe. I added a bit of homemade vegan mayo to the beans at the end which gave a creamy texture and sprinkled cilantro and mint on top for garnish. So delicious. I can’t wait to make this again. Love your recipes Niki!!!
Hi Karry that sounds like a delicious addition, I must give it a try myself. Thank you so much! – Niki xo
Absolutely delicious! A really warning, tasty recipe! I added a squeeze of lime at the end and some flaked almonds and coriander to serve.
Would highly recommend.
Oooh that sounds great Natalie – I’ll definitely give it a try! – Niki xo
Everything I cook of yours is amazing. About to try this one. Can I freeze leftovers or would that be a bit meh?
Thank you!
Should be fine I think xx
Yes I think so!
Much love, Niki xxx
Made it tonight with out the tomatoes I loved it will do again
Honestly, I loved this recipe and also my partner! So easy, quick and tasty! Perfect for us! First time we combined it with some mashed potato (from leftovers) and second with brown and wild rice and…. simply so good!
Thanks for sharing! Vegan live becomes much easier with meals like this 🙂
Hi Miriam, am so glad you love it as much as I do – Niki xo
Does the cauliflower go into the pan to simmer with beans?
I serve it on top, but you could do
Love, Niki xx
Absolutely delicious! I made a double batch of the beans and everyone loved them. I served them with Cauliflower steaks and flatbreads x
Fantastic! So happy you liked xxx
I loved this- my partner made homemade roti with it. We were curious what India recipe it was adapted from? Please – like tandoori cauliflower?
I loved it! And, even better, my boyfriend who is very picky loved it even more! I want more, he said
Amazing!
So happy you hear
xx
Hi Niki
I’ve just made this – fantastic! We devoured it! I’ve made a few of your recipes from off the website, all of which were super tasty but I’ve ordered your cook book this afternoon so looking forward to sitting down, reading, planning and cooking (and then eating!) even more of your plant based recipes!
Amazing!
So hope you love it Joy!
Much love, Niki xxx
I can never have enough recipes for simple storecupboard dinners for those nights where you do not really have time for shopping or cooking. This is a nice robust dinner. The only thing I added was a splash of apple cider vinegar which adds a bit of a lift. Also I sprinkled the plate with fresh coriander which you have on the picture but dont mention in the recipe. Thanks so much for this recipe!
Hi Afra
Love your addition of vinegar!
Love
Nikix xx
I found this recipe via pinterest and wanted to take the time to comment on this wonderful dish. Very easy to make, delicious flavours and easy to follow directions. I added 2 tbsp of sriracha sauce and found the spice level good for hubby and I, but a bit zippy for the kiddo’s (which can be easily fixed with less spice). Thanks so much for sharing your recipe.
Great addition Hannah!
Much love
Niki xxx
I went for more of a one-dish meal approach with this (weekly meal prep) but this was a great base! I added quinoa to the Bean/tomato mix and other veggies I had on hand with the cauliflower. So yummy! Thank you!!
Sounds great Mandie
Love the additions.
Love
Niki xxx
I saved this as a pin a while ago and just came back to it as I found a half decent cauliflower this week. Your recipes never disappoint and this was delicious. Went the whole shebang and had it with rice, seedy flatbreads, red cabbage slaw and Greek yog. Another winner. Thanks again x
Hi Hayley
Aww thank you! So happy you liked it, what a feast!
Love
Niki xxx
Holy gosh this was delicious. I’d never tried black beans before so this was a brilliant introduction! Will definitely be repeating this!
Fantastic! So happy to hear xxx
What kind of slaw would you eat with this?
I liked a nice light cabbage one with toasted sunflower seeds.
Love
Nikixxx
I made this yesterday and it was a hit. I will definitely make again and again.
Brilliant! So happy you liked
Love
Niki xxx
Hi Niki,
I just made this recipe this evening and it was deeeeelicious! Definitely a keeper! The spices, black beans, tomatoes and cauliflower all went so well together! I didn’t use asafoetida and it was fine without it. Thank you for sharing!
So happy you like Laura! xx
Is that really half a tablespoon of asafoetida?
Hi Caroline
Its 1/2 tsp
Thanks so much for spotting.
Love
Niki x
At what temperature do I roast the cauliflower ……
Hi Debra
Its 180c – Ive amended.
My best
Nikixx
What is 180 c in farenhite, my oven doesnt do centigrade?
Hi Kelly
Its 350 F
Much love
Niki x
Hi I’m looking forward to making this…what else would you have this with?
I would serve it with salad and flatbread. Or roast potatoes.
My best
Nikixx
Great recipe! Even my picky child was going for the food eagerly. 🙂 I will be back to check out your recipes many times to come, since you seem to have a quite a treasure chest here.
Hi Paivi
Im so happy to hear that!
Love
Niki xx
Hello, I’m allergic to tomatoes (most nightshade veggies in general) Is there something else I can replace it with or can the recipe do without?
Hi Savanah
I haven’t tried but I think it will still work without the tomatoes.
My best
Niki xx
What is asafoetida?
Its an Indian spice, if you can’t find it. Just leave it out.
My best
Niki xxx
This looks amazing. What temp is the oven to roast the cauliflower? Thanks!
Hey
Ill amend 180C
My best
Niki xx
Thanks for the inspiration – I’m going to make this for Sunday lunch today! I’ll use broccoli and add mushrooms too I think
Recipe calls for 1/2 smoked paprika. Is that 1/2 tsp. Or 1/2 tablespoon?
Aww its 1/2 tsp!
Sorry!
My best
Niki xx
This was wonderful! The whole family loved it. Instead of asafoetida, I used about half cup of chopped leek. Thank you!
Hi Molly
So happy happy to hear that!
Love
Niki xx
Wait a minute am i missing something, the recipe says nothing about combining the lentils and cauliflower, do you combine them and then bake them, do you just mix the 2 together? What am i missing here?
Hi Bruce
You just top the lentils with the cauliflower.
my best
Niki xx
Really enjoyed this recipe, which I got from the February 2019 issue of ‘Vegan Food & Living’ … (they referenced your website as the source!).
After 10 minutes of simmering the black beans, I took the lid off and turned up the heat a bit to reduce a little.
I was rather surprised at the calories per serving … 866 … with 28.8 grams of sugar … I don’t think this can be right!
This was voted by my vegan son and non-vegan husband as “definitely one to have again” … !! Thank you!
Hi Ali
So happy you and your family like it!
The calories can’t be correct.
Love
Niki xx
Excellent recipe . Great combination of textures, colours and flavours
Thank you Helen!
Xx
What can I substitute the asafoetida with? This looks so delicious, I look forward to making it, but don’t have asafoetida. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Joan
If you dont have it, not to worry.
No need for a substitution, it’s also good without.
Best
Niki x
Fennel seed is a suitable substitute.
No, fennel seed is not a suitable substitute for asafoetida. it isn’t. Fennel seed has nothing at all in common with it. Asafoetida is more like onion/leek/garlic.