Zahra Mekhla Roasted Cauliflower Middle Eastern Food

BEST ROASTED CAULIFLOWER RECIPE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to anywhere between 450 to 475 degrees F (or 250 degrees C)
• Place the cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and toss to make sure florets are coated, add more EVOO as needed but don't overdo it!
• Combine the cumin and harissa in a small dish. Season cauliflower with the spice mixture and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss again to combine. Spread cauliflower florets well on the baking sheet so that they are in one layer.
• Cover the baking sheet with foil and place on the middle rack of your heated oven. Roast covered for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and return the baking sheet to the oven. Roast for another 20 to 30 minutes or so, occasionally rotating the baking sheet and turning cauliflower florets over, using a pair of tongs. (Cauliflower should be so tender and caramelized or even charred in some parts).
• If serving with tahini, use the roasting time to make tahini sauce according to this recipe.
• Remove from heat and carefully transfer roasted cauliflower to a serving dish. Immediately add the lemon juice, a little drizzle of tahini (if you like), toasted nuts and a little fresh parsley for garnish. If you're like me and want even more flavor, sprinkle a bit more harissa spice.
• Serve the tahini sauce in a bowl on the side for dipping.

MAKLOUBEH - CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Saute onion and meat together in butter.
• Add salt and spices. Add broth or water and cover. Let meat simmer over moderate heat until tender.
• Break cauliflower into medium size florets. Sprinkle with salt. Fry in deep, hot oil until dark brown, the darker the better. When it looks almost burnt to me, I know its right. Drain on paper towels.
• Add cauliflower on top of meat. Add uncooked rice on top of cauliflower. Make sure that all are covered by broth. Add more if necessary to cover.
• Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for 40 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth/water is absorbed.
• Traditionally, this dish is allowed to cool for 30 minutes and then the pot is turned upside down in a large platter. It is then garnished with pine nuts and served with plain yogurt. I just dish it from the pot because my family can't wait 30 minutes now that the whole house smells so yummy.

EM SHAAT (MIDDLE EASTERN CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS)

Steps:

• Boil cauliflower until tender but not mushy.
• Once cauliflower is done drain, put in a large bowl.
• Separate the floret, keep it somewhat chunky. So cut it into half or fourths.
• Meanwhile chop garlic and hot pepper together in a mortar or food processor well.
• Add hot pepper,garlic,chopped parsley,1 beaten egg,flour,milk, and salt to taste.
• Batter should be thin, a tiny bit thinner than pancake batter.
• If batter is too thick, add a bit water. If batter is too thin, add more flour.
• Mix well together with a spoon.
• Meanwhile let oil get hot enough to fry.
• You can make the fritters large or small.
• Add mixture to oil with a tablespoon.
• Two tablespoon full of mixture will make a large fritter.
• Let fry until golden.
• Squeeze lemon on top (optional).
• Enjoy!

ZIPPY CHEESE CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Steam the cauliflower until just slightly underdone.
• While the cauliflower is cooking, mix the mayonnaise and mustard together.
• When the cauliflower is done, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish and spread the mustard-mayonnaise over it.
• Cover with cheese.
• Microwave for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts.
• Or, if whatever else you're cooking isn't done yet, you can just cover the cauliflower and lets its heat melt the cheese until you're ready to serve.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cauliflower into florets and place in a single layer in an oven-proof baking pan. Toss in the garlic. Sprinkle lemon juice over cauliflower and drizzle each piece with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Place casserole in oven, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. Test with a fork for desired doneness. Fork tines should be able to easily pierce the cauliflower. Remove from oven and sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.