Tandoori Ranch Broccoli Recipe – Easy Roasted Indian-Spiced Florets

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Tandoori Ranch Broccoli Recipe – Easy Roasted Indian-Spiced Florets

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s a total game-changer – seriously, roasted broccoli will never be boring again. I first made this when I was craving something a little different, a little spicy, and a whole lot flavorful. The combination of tandoori seasoning and creamy ranch? Trust me, it’s magic. This Tandoori Ranch Broccoli is quick, easy, and perfect as a side dish or even a snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be real, getting your veggies in can sometimes feel like a chore. But this recipe makes it fun! It’s incredibly flavorful, with a lovely balance of smoky spice from the tandoori and cool creaminess from the ranch. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a fantastic way to introduce Indian-inspired flavors to your family, even if they’re a little hesitant about trying new things.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Tandoori Ranch Broccoli:

• 1 lb (450g) broccoli
• 5 tablespoons (75ml) olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• Crushed black peppercorns, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) ranch dressing
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) tandoori seasoning
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) minced cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Tandoori Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! Tandoori seasoning is a blend of spices traditionally used in marinades for meats cooked in a tandoor oven. You’ll find variations depending on the region – some are spicier, some are more fragrant. Look for a good quality blend that includes garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and ginger. You can even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
• Olive Oil: Don’t skimp on the olive oil! A good quality extra virgin olive oil will add a lovely flavor to the broccoli. I prefer something fruity and not too peppery.
• Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is totally fine for this recipe, and it keeps things super quick. But if you’re feeling fancy, homemade ranch is amazing. It’s surprisingly easy to make and you can customize the flavors to your liking.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to getting that perfectly crispy broccoli.
2. Wash the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets. I like mine fairly small, so they roast evenly.
3. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is nicely coated.
4. Spread the florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the pan – this will steam the broccoli instead of roasting it.
5. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned around the edges. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary!
6. While the broccoli is roasting, whisk together the ranch dressing and tandoori seasoning in a small bowl. This is your delicious tandoori ranch drizzle.
7. Remove the broccoli from the oven and immediately drizzle with the tandoori ranch.
8. Garnish with minced cilantro, if desired. And that’s it!

Expert Tips

• For extra crispy broccoli, don’t move it around on the baking sheet while it’s roasting. Let it sit and get golden brown.
• If you want a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tandoori ranch drizzle.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices! A little garlic powder or onion powder can also be a nice addition.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply use a plant-based ranch dressing. There are some really good options available now!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Make sure your ranch dressing is gluten-free. Many store-bought brands contain gluten, so check the label.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of tandoori seasoning to your liking. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you want a spicier kick. My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of chili powder too!
• Air Fryer Adaptation: You can absolutely make this in the air fryer! Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

This Tandoori Ranch Broccoli is amazing as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It’s also delicious served with a simple rice and lentil dish. My family loves it as a snack – it disappears quickly!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The broccoli will lose some of its crispness, but it will still taste delicious. You can reheat it in the oven or air fryer to crisp it up again.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• How do I know when the broccoli is perfectly roasted? You want it to be tender-crisp and slightly browned around the edges. It should still have a little bit of bite to it.
• Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe? You can, but it won’t get as crispy. Make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli thoroughly before roasting.
• What is tandoori seasoning made of? It’s a blend of spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and ginger.
• Can I make the tandoori ranch drizzle ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• What other vegetables would work well with this tandoori ranch seasoning? Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and carrots would all be delicious!