Imagine transforming a humble cauliflower into a show-stopping, golden-crusted masterpiece that will make your dinner guests think you've trained in a Sicilian kitchen. This Whole Roasted Sicilian Cauliflower isn't just a side dish—it's a culinary experience that elevates vegetables from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of crispy exterior, tender interior, and bold Mediterranean flavors, this recipe will revolutionize the way you think about plant-based cooking.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Sicilian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cauliflower
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (oregano, thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even roasting.
- Carefully remove the leaves from the cauliflower head, keeping the core intact. Trim the stem so the cauliflower sits flat on a baking sheet.
- Rinse the cauliflower under cold water and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels to ensure proper roasting.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a robust marinade.
- Using a basting brush, generously coat the entire cauliflower head with the prepared marinade, ensuring even coverage of all surfaces and crevices.
- Place the marinated cauliflower on a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning it stem-side down.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and the interior is tender when pierced with a knife.
- During the last 10 minutes of roasting, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower for added flavor and a crispy texture.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped oregano and thyme leaves before serving.
- Slice and serve hot as a stunning centerpiece vegetable dish, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the top.
Tips
- Pat the cauliflower completely dry before marinating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
- Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the most authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Don't rush the roasting process—low and slow allows the cauliflower to caramelize beautifully.
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick.
- Choose a fresh, firm cauliflower with tight, compact florets for the best roasting results.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to check internal tenderness if you're unsure about cooking time.
- Allow the cauliflower to rest after roasting to help the juices redistribute and enhance overall flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
