Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower sometimes doesn't get any respect.  And even though it has never been my favorite thing on the crudite platter, I still eat it.  I guess I have skipped it.  But I don't have hatred towards cauliflower.  I just love the cucumber more.

BUT, lately, we have been eating it a lot.  Two reasons.  Mark Bittman uses a lot of cauliflower and I have made all the recipes in his book (not true).  Also it is in a lot of Indian dishes that I have made.  And I really love it with Indian flavors.

First, in case for some strange reason you have not heard of or tried roasted cauliflower, I am here to tell you...do it.  It tastes like chicken nuggets.  

Second, in case you missed Copper, here he is.  I am not exaggerating to say that I think about how he is the greatest dog in the whole world at least twice a day.  It is not bragging.  It is just true.  I also tell him as often as possible because I read somewhere that it is important for our relationship.

Third, I just wanted to give you some inspiration to use roasted cauliflower.  You can just eat it as a side.  In the photo above I made a spinach/coconut milk soup to dip the cauliflower in.  I put quite a bit of grainy mustard in the soup.

Below, I made a warm salad with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, zucchini and spinach.  It is seasoned with a very grainy mustard vinaigrette and some Indian spices.  It was really good too.  But I think roasted cauliflower would make a good addition to any salad.

Roasted Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets

olive oil

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Toss cauliflower florets in some olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Spread out in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Roast in the oven until golden brown.

(Servings:  2, Prep time:  5 min., Cook time:  25 min., Difficulty:  Easy)

Roasted Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Spinach and Zucchini Salad

roasted cauliflower, see recipe above

1 onion, diced

1 zucchini, diced

2 14.5 oz. cans of chickpeas, drains and rinsed

½ tsp of cumin

1 tsp of coriander

¼ tsp of turmeric

1.5 tsp of whole grain mustard (with seeds)

1-2 tbsp of white wine vinegar

salt and pepper

olive oil

1 box of baby spinach (5-6 oz)

In a large skillet over medium high heat, sauté onions until translucent (about 5 min.).  Add zucchini and cook until soft (3-5 min.).  Add chickpeas, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt and pepper and cook until chickpeas are warmed through (3-5 min.).

Make vinaigrette for spinach:  In a large bowl, add mustard, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper.  Whisk to combine and slowly add olive oil until desired balance of vinegar and oil is achieved.  Add to spinach and toss to coat.

Combine everything.  Eat warm or room temp!

(ServingsL  4-6, Prep time:  15 min., Cook time:  25 min., Difficulty:  Easy) 

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foodforscot Ratings:

Shanon (taste): 8/10
Scot (taste):  8/10
Effort:  2/5
Dishwashing Effort:  2/5