This Whole Roasted Cauliflower recipe creates a visually appealing and flavorful dish that can be a stunning centerpiece for your table. The combination of simple ingredients and roasting techniques results in a tender and tasty cauliflower dish that’s perfect for various occasions. Enjoy!
Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- Fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth, more or less, depending on the size of the cauliflower
- 1/3 cup (70 g) melted butter
- Fresh bell pepper
How to Make Whole Roasted Cauliflower:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the bottom leaves and stem from the cauliflower, ensuring not to break it. Rinse the cauliflower thoroughly and let it dry.
- Boil Cauliflower:
- Place the whole cauliflower in a saucepan and cover it with vegetable or chicken broth. Add fresh thyme and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 12 minutes.
- Drain and Transfer:
- Drain the head of cauliflower and transfer it to a cast iron skillet or any ovenproof skillet.
- Add Flavor:
- Drizzle some of the cooking broth over the cauliflower. Sprinkle the melted butter over the cauliflower. Add more fresh thyme and freshly ground pepper for added flavor.
- Roast in the Oven:
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the cauliflower. Baste it with the cooking juices occasionally. Check for doneness by inserting a knife; it should slip in easily when cooked through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the roasted cauliflower from the oven. Sprinkle additional fresh thyme for a burst of flavor. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Slice and Serve:
- Carefully cut the whole roasted cauliflower into slices. Serve it with an extra drizzle of the butter’s cooking juices.
Recipe Description and Tips:
1. Flavorful Broth:
- The cauliflower absorbs the flavors from the broth, fresh thyme, and bay leaves during the boiling process, enhancing its taste.
2. Basting Technique:
- Basting the cauliflower with the cooking juices while roasting helps to keep it moist and adds more flavor.
3. Golden Brown Texture:
- Roasting the cauliflower in a preheated oven gives it a golden brown and slightly crispy texture on the outside.
4. Doneness Check:
- Use a knife to check for doneness. If it slides easily into the cauliflower, it’s cooked through.
5. Presentation and Garnish:
- Sprinkling additional fresh thyme before serving enhances the presentation and adds a delightful herbal aroma.
6. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the whole roasted cauliflower as a flavorful and impressive side dish for your meals.
7. Cooking Variations:
- Experiment with different herbs, spices, or additional vegetables to customize the flavor profile of your roasted cauliflower.
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