Description
Roasted whole cauliflower provides a spectacular centerpiece for Mediterranean-inspired meals. Herb-infused olive oil and sumac create bold flavors that elevate this simple vegetable into a memorable dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, rinsed and patted dry
- 1/3 cup (79 ml) Danish Creamery salted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 g) paprika
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh chives, finely chopped, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- Set the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack in the center for even roasting.
- Remove the tough bottom stem of the cauliflower, ensuring a flat base for stable positioning in a deep oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Create a flavorful herb-infused butter mixture by combining softened butter with finely minced garlic, salt, and smoky paprika until thoroughly blended.
- Massage the aromatic butter mixture generously over the entire cauliflower surface, ensuring complete and even coverage of the vegetable.
- Loosely tent the cauliflower with aluminum foil, creating a steamy environment for initial cooking, and roast for 40-50 minutes until the core becomes fork-tender.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and remove the foil covering, revealing the partially cooked cauliflower.
- Drizzle the accumulated pan juices over the cauliflower, then sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped chives.
- Return to the oven uncovered, roasting for an additional 15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes to develop a golden, crispy exterior and enhance flavor complexity.
Notes
- Select a fresh, firm cauliflower with tight, compact florets to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Soften butter completely at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother application of seasoning across the entire cauliflower surface.
- Use a silicone brush to evenly spread the garlic butter mixture, guaranteeing every crevice gets delicious seasoning without tearing the cauliflower’s delicate texture.
- Adjust roasting times based on cauliflower size – larger heads might need extra minutes to reach perfect tenderness while smaller ones cook faster.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 162
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 238mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 36mg