Whole Roasted Baby Cauliflower
User Reviews
4.8
Whole Roasted Baby Cauliflower
Description
This preparation begins by trimming the cauliflower stem to allow the vegetable to sit evenly on a baking sheet. The entire head, including leaves, is submerged and boiled in salted water to tenderize it fully. After draining, the cauliflower is brushed thoroughly with high-quality olive oil, sprinkled with coarse sea salt, and roasted in a very hot oven until the exterior is evenly browned and the flavor intensifies through caramelization.
The approach results in a whole vegetable with a soft, moist center and a crisp, roasted surface. The deep roasting flavors contrast with the natural mildness of the cauliflower. Finishing with a brief broil adds extra color and texture on top.
Serving with tahini provides a nutty, creamy complement. This simple recipe highlights the cauliflower itself without heavy seasoning, making it suitable as a vegetable side dish or an eye-catching centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower small head with leaves
- 2 gallons water
- 1/4 cup sea salt coarse or kosher salt
- 1 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided, best quality
- tahini optional, serve with
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 550°F with oven rack in center of oven. Trim stem of cauliflower, keeping leaves intact, so it will sit level on a sheet pan.
- Bring 2 gallons water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. Stir in salt until dissolved.
- Add the cauliflower, placing something over the cauliflower to keep it submerged.
- Boil until very tender, 12 to 13 minutes.
- Carefully lift the cauliflower from water and drain. Transfer to the sheet pan, stem side down.
- Use a brush and brush the cauliflower with olive oil all over. Sprinkle remaining sea salt and bake in preheated oven until browned, about 25 to 35 minutes.
- Broil 2 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 465 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/4 cauliflower head | |
| Calories | 46.5kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 3.5g | 1% |
| Protein | 1.5g | 3% |
| Fat | 3.5g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Sodium | 600mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 6% |
| Sugar | 1.5g | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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