Crispy Cauliflower With Lemon Aioli Food

QUICK CRISPY CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (232 C) and get out a large, oven-safe rimmed skillet (we prefer cast iron).
• Add chopped cauliflower to a large mixing bowl and top with oil, salt, seasonings of choice, and maple syrup (optional for a bit of sweetness). Toss to coat (see photo).
• Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add just enough oil to coat the pan (about 1-2 Tbsp / 15-30 ml as recipe is written - adjust amounts as needed if adjusting serving size).
• Heat oil for 1 minute. Then add cauliflower (add only as much will fit comfortably in the pan - crowding will lead to soggy cauliflower) and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring / tossing occasionally until your cauliflower has a slight sear / golden brown exterior.
• Carefully transfer pan to the preheated oven and bake on the center rack for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking, until the cauliflower is golden brown and cooked through. It should be tender with a slight bite and crispy edges.
• Garnish with desired herbs or nuts, such as cilantro and slivered almonds (optional), and serve immediately. We also like adding a drizzle of fresh tahini (also optional) for another layer of flavor and creamy texture.
• Store cooled leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. Not freezer friendly. Best when fresh for optimal texture.

OVEN-ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH GARLIC, OLIVE OIL AND LEMON JUICE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
• Place the cauliflower florets in a large saute pan or a roasting pan. Drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower, and season with the garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Place the saute/roasting pan in the oven and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even roasting. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately while still warm.

AIOLI WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. Place broccoli and cauliflower together on one large rimmed baking sheet or pan, and beets and turnips on another. Place squash and 1 bunch scallions on individual pans. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, salt and pepper until well coated. Roast scallions 12 to 15 minutes; broccoli and cauliflower 20 to 30 minutes; squash 30 to 40 minutes; and beets and turnips 40 to 50 minutes. Toss all periodically while roasting.
• Combine garlic, lemon juice and salt in a blender or food processor and let sit a minute or two. Add eggs and blend until combined. With the blender running, slowly add the olive oil in a thin, steady stream. You can use a mortar and pestle if you prefer. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and lemon juice if needed.
• Arrange roasted vegetables on platter and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds if using. Serve with the aioli on the side.

CRISPY CAULIFLOWER TACOS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Toss cauliflower with olive oil, both chili powders, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until cauliflower is tender, 30 to 35 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, onion, capers, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper for pico in one bowl. Combine mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and pepper for aioli in another bowl. Place both bowls in the fridge to let flavors blend until everything else is ready.
• Heat about 1 inch oil in a small pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Pat shallots dry with a paper towel, then lower into the oil; fry until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
• Remove oil from the pan and wipe dry. Toast tortillas if desired by heating in the pan over medium heat for 30 seconds per side.
• Spoon aioli onto tortillas. Add cauliflower, pico, and shallots. Top with Parmesan cheese.