My last few posts have been on the sweet side: after Lemon Cupcakes with Chocolate Icing, Chocolate Fondants with Salted Caramel Sauce and Tiramisu, I thought it might be time to present you with something to eat before all of those treats! This roasted cauliflower recipe is not mine, nor was it made by me but I just had to post it. Mr. O has been cooking wonderful little snacks for me to have around the house while I’ve been working on a few projects. Although I work around the realm of food, somedays I am just writing away and don’t have as much time as I’d want to frolic in the kitchen and try new things. I opened the fridge a couple days ago and this wonderful batch of roasted cauliflower was just calling my name. It’s a wonderfully healthy and satisfying way to enjoy cauliflower – a vegetable that I haven’t been using nearly as much as I should. It also makes a wonderful side dish to a nicely pan-seared piece of fish and works beautifully to top a simple citrus and nut salad. You will have to wait a little to get the recipe (until Oliver gets back and tells me his secret!) , which, from what I understand, is a tweaked version of Jamie Oliver’s recipe.
It really has been a busy couple weeks in this household! Between hosting the Daring Bakers (I can’t wait to see everyone’s results!), an ever-increasing amount of submissions to go through on Tastespotting, a few exciting food projects in the works, some recipe development, photo shoots and some night classes to attend..as well as a small move to London (for a month in the summer for an exciting food project I can’t reveal right away) there hasn’t been enough hours in the day. If you live in London and have some suggestions for good food spots, local markets, specialty stores or any cool local activities, I’m all ears!
Roasted Cauliflower:
2 heads of cauliflower
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of whole coriander seeds
2 teaspoons of cumin seeds
2 teaspoons of black mustard seeds
1/4 cup of powdered almonds
Boil a large pot of water and add a generous quantity of salt. Heat your oven to 450 degrees farenheit. Using a frying pan without oil, dry-fry the spices for 1-2minutes, add them to a grinder and grind to a powder. Meanwhile, cut the cauliflower in half, and then into florets. Add them to the water for 5-6 minutes, and drain. Spread the cauliflower out onto a baking sheet, and allow to airdry for several hours. Alternately, dry in a 100-200 degree oven for 10 minutes or so. In a big bowl, mix the cauliflower with the spices and pour the oil and powdered almonds.
Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes until it becomes nicely golden brown and even crispy.
Enjoy the read!
Sari
March 18, 2010 at 10:10 am (14 years ago)I’m big fun of cauliflower, but I usually only make soup or bake it with cheese and other vegetable. This looks wonderful, I can’t wait for the recipe!
Sounds like you are really busy! And you are moving to London? Amazing! 🙂 You should definitely visit an Ottolenghi restaurant (http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/locations/) and Borough Market (http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/)!
kimberleyblue
March 18, 2010 at 2:14 pm (14 years ago)It seems like everyone is roasting cauliflower these days! This dish is looks so great, I’m hoping the recipe does appear soon; I’d love to try it!
dawn
March 18, 2010 at 7:02 pm (14 years ago)leave it to you to make cauliflower look this pretty and tempting.
Vanillastrawberryspringfields
March 19, 2010 at 4:24 am (14 years ago)This roasted cauliflower is really fantastic as a side or to fix a few whole wheat wraps too aint it?
lostpastremembered
March 19, 2010 at 7:12 am (14 years ago)Roasting does concentrate flavors, doesn’t it.. but you have brilliant spices too… and I have a head of cauliflower in the fridge!!! Great combination of flavors.
Barbara @ moderncomfortfood
March 19, 2010 at 7:59 am (14 years ago)Looks great, and I particularly like the spice mix. Need to try this with broccoli, which I have plenty of in the garden now.
Karen@Mignardise
March 19, 2010 at 7:12 pm (14 years ago)LOVE roasted cauliflower! The spices are a delicious idea.
It’s great over pasta too.
Cocina Savant
March 20, 2010 at 11:12 am (14 years ago)This is a really neat take on roasted cauliflower. I like the use of black mustard seeds. Very neat page, I am glad I found it. As Sari said- Borough Market is an incredible must see venue.
Ari (Baking and Books)
March 20, 2010 at 4:17 pm (14 years ago)Wow. Who knew cauliflower could look so good?
Trissa
March 21, 2010 at 1:58 am (14 years ago)Cauliflower is one of those underrated vegetables – unfortunate because it is so delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe – I LOVE the spices you’ve added to it. And can’t wait to hear your secret!
Ellie (Almost Bourdain)
March 22, 2010 at 3:35 am (14 years ago)I am always on the look out for cauliflower recipes. This is a must try. Thanks for sharing.
Dharm
March 22, 2010 at 9:00 am (14 years ago)Any kind of roasted veges are always good in my books!! The roasted cauli’s look just great!!
hannah | honey & jam
March 23, 2010 at 9:25 pm (14 years ago)I’ve just roasted broccoli for the first time, I think I’m going to have to try cauliflower next. yours looks terrific!
Deborah
March 24, 2010 at 1:36 am (14 years ago)I love any roasted vegetable, and this is calling my name! I’m jealous of your month in London – I’ve got the travel but lately, but no where to go. 🙁
Maria
March 25, 2010 at 2:42 pm (14 years ago)I love roasted cauliflower. One of the best ways to eat it. Looks great!
Naomi
March 26, 2010 at 12:57 pm (14 years ago)I’ve always liked cauliflower but never done a lot with it. I recently discovered the wonderful taste and texture of roasted cauliflower and did a post about it a little while ago. I like the sound of the spices and the powdered almond is an idea I’ll have to try! and I love the photo! You’ve reminded me that I must make this again soon.
I lived in London for 7 years – you will love it and will have a lot to pack in in one month. I also recommend the Borough Market for food. Of course Camden and Portobello markets for an array of things and people watching. Soho for coffee. The parks, down by the river – walk as much as you can! (also take a river boat ride – it’s a great way to get a different perspective of the city). Also recommend the London Walks – good fun! There’s so much but this ‘comment’ is long enough!
Junglefrog
March 31, 2010 at 9:21 am (14 years ago)I love cauliflower but I somehow always end up using it more or less the same way. This looks delicious and sure worth a try!
tasteofbeirut
April 2, 2010 at 11:31 pm (14 years ago)Love roasted cauliflowers with tarator sauce! This is a great twist thanks!
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet
May 17, 2010 at 8:32 am (14 years ago)At least once a week I eat roasted cauliflower. Usually just plain, olive oil & salt, but I’ll try your spicing method next time. The piggy that I am will eat a whole flower in one sitting!
If you go to my site you will see a section for restaurant reviews and that will give you an idea whether you would like to visit them or not. 😉
almostveg
October 21, 2011 at 5:52 pm (13 years ago)I make a very similar recipe with curry oil and herbs, but I like your addition of the powdered almonds. You can check mine out at http://omnivore-almostveg.blogspot.com/2011/07/4th-of-july-entertaining.html