Roasted cauliflower tacos
Published: October 3, 2024
Why eating well matters for mental health
At Pathways, we don’t just focus on people’s mental health—we support people to full lives through our being well strategy. We know how important this is, as people with mental health and addiction issues often face poorer physical health outcomes than the rest of the population.
Our diet can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health so supporting a balanced diet is crucial for everyone’s journey to wellness.
These vegetarian cauliflower tacos are packed with ingredients that are not only nutritious but also have powerful benefits for your overall wellbeing!
This recipe includes oven baked cauliflower, a lime-zingy sweetcorn, and black bean salsa that is simple, fresh and healthy. Give these Cauliflower Tacos a try for your next meal!
Superstar ingredients for mental and physical wellbeing
Explore the benefits of these powerhouse ingredients that fuel both mind and body.
Cauliflower
A true gut-friendly superstar! Rich in fibre and antioxidants, cauliflower helps reduce inflammation, support digestion, and contribute to better gut health—often called our “second brain” because of its link to mental well-being.
Avocado
Filled with healthy fats and magnesium, which are essential for brain function, stress reduction, and promoting those ‘feel-good’ hormones.
Black Beans
High in protein, fibre, and iron, black beans help keep your energy stable and support your gut—key for managing mood and anxiety.
Tomatoes
Packed with vitamin C and lycopene, tomatoes are anti-inflammatory and support immune health, helping you feel good inside and out.
Carrot and red cabbage
Colourful, crunchy, and loaded with nutrients that boost your immune system and keep your gut flora balanced, which is closely linked to better mental health.
Fresh coriander
Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties—promoting digestion.
Lime juice
Provides vitamin C for immune support and helps with iron absorption.
Spring onion
Provides vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and healthy skin.
Smoked paprika
Contains antioxidants that support vision health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Ground cumin
Contains antioxidants and may help with digestion and blood sugar control.
Recipe
Makes 12 | V | VG | DFO | GFO
Ingredients
For the cauliflower
1 cauliflower, cut into small florets
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
Pinch of chilli powder (optional)
¼ tsp salt
Olive oil spray
For the chunky salsa
½ cup frozen corn kernels (or kernels cut from 1 cob of corn)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tomatoes, diced
1 spring onion whites, finely chopped and greens thinly sliced
1 tbsp lime juice
(juice of about half a lime)
To serve
12 taco-sized soft tortillas
¼ red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 carrot, grated
1 avocado peeled and sliced.
Fresh coriander, roughly chopped
Limes to squeeze
Sour cream or natural yoghurt
Chilli sauce, optional (add your favourite chilli sauce for a bit more heat!)
Equipment
Baking tray
Mixing bowl
Colander or sieve
Sealed container
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 220°C.
2. To make the roasted cauliflower, mix the spices, salt and flour together. Using a sealed container, shake the cauliflower florets with the spice mixture until well coated.
3. Tip them out onto a baking tray, spray with olive oil to coat, then bake for 15-20 minutes, shaking the tray every now and then and spraying with a little more oil if it looks too dry. The cauliflower is done when it has browned a little around the edges and smells fantastic.
4. For the chunky salsa, bring a saucepan of water to the boil and cook the corn kernels for 2-3 minutes.
5. Drain in a colander or sieve and run under cold water to refresh. In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, black beans, tomatoes, spring onion and lime juice. Season with a little salt.
6. To serve, warm the soft taco tortillas according to packet directions.
7. Serve with thinly sliced red cabbage, grated carrot, fresh coriander, cauliflower fresh out of the oven, chunky salsa, limes for squeezing, sour cream or yoghurt and your favourite chilli sauce.
Tips
Make it gluten free by swapping the flour in the cauliflower spice mix with brown rice flour and using 100% corn tortillas.
— This story was first featured in our Wholesome cookbook, recipes and inspiration to nourish body and mind by Amber Bremner.
