Roasted Cauliflower With a Kick

Italian spices turn basic into brilliant

We’ve had a love affair with cauliflower for decades, but our favorite way to prepare it is by roasting it. If you haven’t roasted vegetables yet, you are going to devour them like an addict When this cauliflower comes out of the oven, I get all excited and can literally eat it right off the hot pan! Especially with melted cheese on top!

As a side dish, roasted cauliflower is super easy and because it’s very flavor-neutral, it pairs well with almost anything!

Even though my family loves cauliflower prepared simply, we really like to get creative with it as the base for delicious flavor combinations. And of course, I have an Italian-flavored version that we just love!

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH A KICK

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 3 – 4 Tbsp. olive oil (not extra-virgin)
• 2 Tbsp. butter (melted)
• ½ tsp. freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup or so minced Italian parsley
• 2 – 3 finely minced garlic, or about 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• ½ tsp. minced oregano
• ½ tsp. minced thyme
• pinch or two of red pepper flakes (optional)
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Asiago
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Pecorino
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Remove the leaves and core of the cauliflower and then slice into 1″ slices or pull off small florets.
2. Place in a large mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle the olive oil, butter, and lemon juice all over the florets and toss gently so that they are evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle all of the Italian parsley, minced garlic, and minced herbs all over the cauliflower and once again toss gently to coat the florets with the herbs.
5. Do NOT add the cheese yet.
6. With cooking spray, cover a baking sheet with the cooking oil.
7. Spread the prepared cauliflower evenly on the baking pan.
8. Bake at 425° F. for 15 minutes, keeping an eye on the cauliflower every now and then.
9. Turn the cauliflower over and roast for another 10 minutes, keeping an eye on it. Do not burn it.
10. Remove the roasted cauliflower from the hot oven and sprinkle on all of the freshly-grated cheese.
11. Return to the oven and change the oven temperature to “BROIL”.
12. Broil cheese-covered cauliflower for 5 – 8 minutes, watching it closely. Do not burn it.
13. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
14. Serve hot!