Whole Roasted Cauliflower – Step into my kitchen, where today we’ll be focusing on the Whole Roasted Cauliflower. This recipe brings a burst of flavor to your table showcasing a combination of spices and the wholesome goodness of cauliflower. In this post, you’ll not discover the recipe. Also unravel the magic behind transforming simple ingredients, like garlic, paprika, and lemon juice into a culinary masterpiece.
I can still vividly recall the first time I tried making this recipe. It was a chilly evening when I craved something hearty yet healthy for dinner. My husband, who always appreciates dishes was intrigued by the idea of featuring a cauliflower as the star of our meal. Let me tell you seeing my child’s face light up with joy after that first bite was absolutely priceless! Since then it has become a favorite in our family.
What makes this Whole Roasted Cauliflower truly special?
This Whole Roasted Cauliflower goes beyond being another dish; it makes a statement. Firstly its simplicity is deceiving – it bursts with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Secondly, its versatility is incredible; it works perfectly as both a side dish and as a main course. Lastly not only does it offer all the health benefits associated with cauliflower. When combined with the rich flavors of garlic and paprika it becomes an incredibly nutritious and delicious choice, for any meal.
What You Need To Make This Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe?
Cauliflower: The star of the show! Look for a cauliflower head that feels weighty, for its size with packed florets and a vibrant creamy color. This awesome vegetable isn’t just a charm to cook with; it’s also a powerhouse, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Unsalted Butter: Opting for unsalted butter gives you control over the seasoning of your dish. When melted it acts as a medium to infuse the cauliflower with its creamy flavor resulting in a gorgeous golden crust when roasted.
Dried Parsley: While fresh parsley brings an herbaceous touch dried parsley provides a concentrated flavor that intensifies during roasting. It adds an earthiness that perfectly complements the tones of the cauliflower.
Garlic: Chopped garlic cloves are like bursts of flavor. Once roasted garlic becomes sweet and less pungent imparting an aromatic taste that’s simply irresistible when combined with cauliflower.
Smoked Paprika: Here’s the weapon, in this recipe. Smoked paprika brings depth to the flavor profile by adding smokiness and comforting warmth that truly heightens this dish. If you prefer regular paprika instead expect a sweeter and more delicate taste sensation.
Salt: Adding a pinch of salt brings out the delicious natural flavors of the cauliflower and enhances the other spices. Its larger grains ensure a distribution ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Ground Black Pepper: Using ground pepper adds a subtle touch of heat and complexity perfectly balancing the creamy and smoky elements in this dish.
Fresh Lemon Juice or Olive Oil: When it comes to finishing this dish you have two options to choose from. Squeezing some lemon juice adds a zingy note that cuts through the richness while drizzling olive oil gives it a smooth and velvety finish that beautifully complements the roasted texture of the cauliflower.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): before serving sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for an added burst of color and a clean refreshing flavor. It forms a contrast, against the rich flavors of the roasted cauliflower.
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Steps To Make Whole Roasted Cauliflower:
Step 1: Let’s start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking dish or a Dutch oven. Either line it with parchment paper or give it a light spritz of nonstick spray.
Step 2: Now let’s work our magic on the flavors; in a bowl whisk together the butter, dried parsley, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Take this mixture. Gently brush it over the cauliflower so that every part gets seasoned.
Step 3: Next place the cauliflower in your dish. Lovingly cover it with foil.
Step 4: Bake for 30 minutes. Then take a peek to see if it’s tender. If it is remove the foil. Let it bake for 15 minutes until you achieve that beautiful golden brown color. However, if it still feels slightly firm keep it covered with foil for 10 minutes before removing the foil and giving it another 15 minutes uncovered. Just remember to keep an eye on it – we want cauliflower without any burnt bits.
Step 5: Once done cooking drizzle some lemon juice or olive oil over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, as that final touch of love.
Tip:
Once your Whole Roasted Cauliflower has finished baking and has achieved a color it’s important to resist the temptation of serving it immediately. Instead, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to settle and the juices to evenly distribute themselves resulting in every bite being moist and bursting with flavor. Moreover, this step makes slicing the cauliflower since the florets will be firmer and less prone, to falling apart. By following this technique you can take your dish from good to exceptional ensuring a texture and taste, in each slice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this vegan?
Sure! You can definitely make this recipe vegan. Just swap out the butter, for your plant-based alternative.
How do I know when the cauliflower is perfectly roasted?
To determine if the cauliflower is perfectly roasted look for signs of tenderness throughout and a lovely golden hue, on the exterior.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your herbs and spices to give the dish a flavor twist.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower head rinsed, stem and leaves removed
- ¼ c unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 to 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika regular paprika can be substituted
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice or olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Get a baking dish or Dutch oven ready by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Take a clean cauliflower head ensuring that the stem and leaves are removed.
- In a bowl combine melted butter dried parsley, minced garlic, smoked paprika, kosher salt and ground black pepper.
- Evenly brush the seasoning mix, over the cauliflower.
- Place the cauliflower in your dish. Cover it with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Check for tenderness. If it is tender, remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15 minutes. If not tender yet bake for 10 minutes covered with foil followed by another 15 minutes without it until it achieves a brown color.
- Once baked drizzle lemon juice or olive oil on top and garnish, with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
