Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Cilantro Dressing

November 3, 2014 by Susan

Whenever I make vegetables as a side dish, 98% of the time I will roast them. I think roasting brings out a wonderful, deep flavor of the vegetables and they get all crisp and caramelized on the outside. And, truthfully, roasting vegetables is so easy! Just season and pop in the oven. You only need to flip them once during the cooking time and voila, they are done. My favorite vegetables to roast are cauliflower, broccoli and carrots.

This recipe is actually two recipes in one. The first part, simply roasting the cauliflower with just salt, pepper and oil, is my basic recipe for making roasted vegetables and is practically effortless. The cauliflower is delicious just like that. But every once in a while it is nice to have something a bit different, so I created this dressing to toss with the cauliflower after they have been roasted. It comes together very quickly and can be prepared just after you toss the cauliflower in the oven.

Now we are having a hard time figuring out which preparation is our favorite. If I told you we snacked on these during the day once would you believe me? It’s true! We actually snacked on cauliflower, as strange as that sounds. The vinaigrette is such a terrific complement to the cauliflower and the addition of that cumin just makes it. It almost lends an Indian spin to the recipe.

I love it when food that is healthy for us is also delicious. Cauliflower is filled with phytonutrients that fight disease and fiber that really helps to keep you full longer. I end up feeling good about eating it, and there is no guilt over eating a lot of it.

Here’s what you will need to serve 2-3 as a side dish…

Recipe

1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets of various sizes, washed and pat dried

2 Tbsp olive oil

Sea Salt (to taste)

Pepper (to taste)

Vinaigrette

1/2 lemon, zested

1 Tbsp lemon juice

2 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 small clove garlic, grated

1/8 tsp (scant) of ground cumin

Method

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Turn the cauliflower upside down and start cutting into all the stalks and leaves until they are all removed. Cut cauliflower into florets. Wash and pat dry. Lay on a large rimmed baking sheet and add 2 Tbsp olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands until the cauliflower is coated.

Roast in the oven for 30 – 40 minutes depending on how large your florets are and how soft you like your vegetables cooked. I prefer mine more firm (as opposed to my husband who likes his softer), so I leave 1/2 the florets large so they don’t get overcooked. Half way through the cooking time take the baking sheet out of the oven and turn each cauliflower floret over. I find using a pair of tongs works the best. Put back in the oven.

While the cauliflower is cooking get started on the vinaigrette. To a small bowl add the lemon zest, juice, cilantro, grated garlic, cumin and 3 Tbsp of olive oil. Whisk well until completely mixed.

Once done, remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer them directly into a large bowl. Add the vinaigrette, one tablespoon at a time, to the cooked cauliflower, mixing to combine. I usually end up using all the vinaigrette, but if you see they are getting soaked in the liquid, stop adding and taste. This will all depend upon how large your cauliflower is. In the end, I don’t soak the vegetables, just give them a nice coating.

Roasted Cauliflower

Author: Feasts And Fotos

Ingredients

1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets of various sizes, washed and pat dried
2 Tbsp olive oil
Sea Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Vinaigrette
½ lemon, zested
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 small clove garlic, grated

Method

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Turn the cauliflower upside down and start cutting into all the stalks and leaves until they are all removed. Cut cauliflower into florets. Wash and pat dry. Lay on a large rimmed baking sheet and add 2 Tbsp olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands until the cauliflower is coated.
Roast in the oven for 30 - 40 minutes depending on how large your florets are and how soft you like your vegetables cooked. I prefer mine more firm (as opposed to my husband who likes his softer), so I leave ½ the florets large so they don't get overcooked. Half way through the cooking time take baking sheet out of the oven and turn each cauliflower floret over. I find using a pair of tongs works the best. Put back in the oven.
While the cauliflower is cooking get started on the vinaigrette. To a small bowl add the lemon zest, juice, cilantro, grated garlic and 3 Tbsp of olive oil. Whisk well until completely mixed.
Once done, remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer them directly into a large bowl. Add the vinaigrette, one tablespoon at a time, to the cooked cauliflower, mixing to combine. I usually end up using all the vinaigrette, but if you see they are getting soaked in the liquid, stop adding and taste. This will all depend upon how large your cauliflower is. In the end, I don't soak the vegetables, just give them a nice coating.

Marinated Cauliflower

June 15, 2010 by Susan

I am back from my honeymoon in Hawaii and just barely coming out of the depression over not being in Hawaii anymore. That place is paradise. Two weeks in paradise makes getting back to reality quite a challenge. No big surprise, cooking has not been at the forefront of my mind. Two weeks of having all my meals served to me (sometimes in a fluffy bathrobe!) was glorious. Glorious! But alas, my reality includes getting back to cooking…

So, something quick and easy was in order. To ease the shock of not stumbling past roughly four gorgeous natural waterfalls per day. (Not having an easy time with the ‘get back to reality’ concept.) Anyway, this marinated cauliflower recipe is just that, quick and easy. It’s also super delicious. It’s a wonderful side dish for just about anything and is served at room temperature (or slightly chilled) making it a wonderful option for an outdoor BBQ.

This recipe is best if left to marinate overnight, allowing the cauliflower to soak up all the yummy vinaigrette. It just gets better the longer it sits.

Here’s what you will need to serve 4-6 people…

Recipe

1 very large head of cauliflower (or 2 medium), broken up into bite sized florets

1/4 cup chopped shallots

2 tablespoons capers, drained

3 tablespoons chopped parsley

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

Method

Steam cauliflower until just tender. You want the cauliflower to still have a bite to it, so don’t overcook. Transfer to a large bowl.

Whisk together vinegar, shallots and mustard in a small bowl. Add some salt and pepper. Pour in the oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly. Pour vinaigrette over warm cauliflower. Add the capers and parsley. Stir to combine.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart.

Marinated Cauliflower

Author: Feasts And Fotos

Ingredients

1 very large head of cauliflower (or 2 medium), broken up into bite sized florets
¼ cup chopped shallots
2 tablespoons capers, drained
3 tablespoons chopped parsley
¼ cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Method

Steam cauliflower until just tender. You want the cauliflower to still have a bite to it, so don't overcook. Transfer to a large bowl.
Whisk together vinegar, shallots and mustard in a small bowl. Add some salt and pepper. Pour in the oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly. Pour vinaigrette over warm cauliflower. Add the capers and parsley. Stir to combine.
Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cauliflower Zahlouk

February 10, 2010 by Susan

I have seriously been under using cauliflower. To be honest, I used to find it quite boring and uninspiring. Boiled. Bland. Yuck. But all that has changed. I’ve forced myself to use the vegetable more and have stumbled upon some wonderful recipes. This particular one is outstanding. Typically zahlouk, a chopped or mashed salad, is made with eggplant. However, you can substitute any vegetable.

There are so many flavors and textures going on in this dish – it’s actually exciting to eat it! And you hardly remember you are eating what used to be boring, bland cauliflower. The charmoula dressing (a typical Moroccan sauce) really brings the ingredients alive. I have made this repeatedly over the past few months, using it as a side dish with grilled chicken, baked fish and even a steak. It goes with everything or can be eaten alone as a vegetarian dish. Also, it lasts for up to 4-5 days in the fridge!

I adapted this recipe from the cookbook Mediterranean Fresh. Fabulous book with many excellent recipes. I’m working my way through some dishes that have caught my eye and will most certainly post another one shortly.

In the meantime give this recipe a try, you will be amazed at how delicious cauliflower can be.

Here’s what you will need to serve 4-6 as a side dish…

Recipe

1 large cauliflower (largest you can find), cut into small florets

4 cloves garlic, whole

1 strip fresh lemon peel

1/8 lb green beans (I use a fist full of haricot verts), cut into 1/2 inch dice

3/4 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 Tbsp oil cured black olives, roughly chopped

3/4 cup – 1 cup charmoula dressing, thinned with lemon juice

Charmoula Dressing (makes 1 cup)

1/8 cup lemon juice, plus 1 Tbsp

1/8 cup red wine vinegar

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

1/8 tsp cayenne

3 Tbsp chopped parsley

3 Tbsp chopped cilantro

1/2 cup olive oil, plus some extra if needed

salt & pepper

Method

Place the cauliflower florets, whole garlic cloves and lemon peel in a steamer and steam until just tender (not too mushy), about 6-7 minutes. Remove from pan. Add green beans to steamer and cook until just tender (still having a slight crunch).

While the cauliflower is steaming, prepare the dressing by mixing the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt & pepper in a bowl. Stir in the parsley, cilantro and olive oil. Set aside.

Place the cauliflower and garlic cloves in a large bowl and mash coarsely. I still like for many of the florets to stay intact, so be gentle. Add the green beans and stir in most of the charmoula dressing. (I say “most” because you really don’t want this to swim in the dressing and that really hinges on how large the cauliflower is, which will differ from one person to the next.) Gently fold in the chick peas and olives.

Dressing should lightly coat all the ingredients. If you feel you need a touch more dressing, add it. You can also add more olive oil if needed as well.

Cauliflower Zahlouk

Author: Feasts And Fotos

Ingredients

⅛ lb green beans (I use a fist full of haricot verts), cut into ½ inch dice
¾ cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp oil cured black olives, roughly chopped
¾ cup - 1 cup charmoula dressing, thinned with lemon juice
Charmoula Dressing (makes 1 cup)
⅛ cup lemon juice, plus 1 Tbsp
⅛ cup red wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
⅛ tsp cayenne
3 Tbsp chopped parsley
3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
½ cup olive oil, plus some extra if needed
salt & pepper

Method

Place the cauliflower florets, whole garlic cloves and lemon peel in a steamer and steam until just tender (not too mushy), about 6-7 minutes. Remove from pan. Add green beans to steamer and cook until just tender (still having a slight crunch).
While the cauliflower is steaming, prepare the dressing by mixing the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt & pepper in a bowl. Stir in the parsley, cilantro and olive oil. Set aside.
Place the cauliflower and garlic cloves in a large bowl and mash coarsely. I still like for many of the florets to stay intact, so be gentle. Add the green beans and stir in most of the charmoula dressing. (I say "most" because you really don't want this to swim in the dressing and that really hinges on how large the cauliflower is, which will differ from one person to the next.) Gently fold in the chick peas and olives.
Dressing should lightly coat all the ingredients. If you feel you need a touch more dressing, add it. You can also add more olive oil if needed as well.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

December 1, 2008 by Susan

I love eating mashed potatoes as much as anyone. They are a perfect side dish to just about any meal. However, sometimes mashed potatoes can be…well…a little heavy. This recipe is a terrific, lighter alternative to the traditional mashed potatoes. The major ingredient is cauliflower, but no one would even know just by looking at this. I like my mashed potatoes to still have some texture to it, as opposed to being whipped/pureed. You can add more milk and butter if you want a creamier version.

Here’s what you will need to serve 4…

Recipe

1 cauliflower head, cut into pieces

3 potatoes, yukon gold or idaho, peeled & cut into medium chunks

1/4 cup – 1/2 cup nonfat milk, warm (use more if you want it to be more creamy)

1-2 tablespoon butter

fresh parsley, chopped

salt & pepper

Method

Steam cauliflower for about 15 minutes, until tender. In a medium sized pot, bring potatoes to a boil. Boil for about 10 minutes, or until soft. Drain potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash potatoes and cauliflower together. Add milk and butter and continue mashing until it reaches your desired consistency. Add salt & pepper to taste. Sprinkle in parsley and gently mix to combine.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Author: Feasts And Fotos

Ingredients

1 cauliflower head, cut into pieces
3 potatoes, yukon gold or idaho, peeled & cut into medium chunks
¼ cup - ½ cup nonfat milk, warm (use more if you want it to be more creamy)
1-2 tablespoon butter
fresh parsley, chopped
salt & pepper

Method

Steam cauliflower for about 15 minutes, until tender. In a medium sized pot, bring potatoes to a boil. Boil for about 10 minutes, or until soft. Drain potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash potatoes and cauliflower together. Add milk and butter and continue mashing until it reaches your desired consistency. Add salt & pepper to taste. Sprinkle in parsley and gently mix to combine.