Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini
Whole cauliflower roasted in the oven until charred and tender, served over a pool of lemon-tahini. Middle Eastern pantry, zero effort.
Indian chaat masala replaces za'atar. Tamarind chutney and mint instead of tahini. Completely different but equally correct.
Preheat oven to 210C. Remove outer leaves from cauliflower. Make a few incisions into the core.
Rub cauliflower all over with 3 tbsp olive oil, salt, paprika, and za'atar.
Place in a baking dish, cover with foil. Roast 45 minutes. Remove foil, roast 20-25 more minutes until charred in spots.
Make tahini sauce: whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and enough cold water to reach a pourable consistency. Season.
Pour tahini sauce on a serving platter. Place whole cauliflower on top.
Scatter toasted pine nuts and parsley over. Drizzle remaining olive oil. Serve at the table for people to break into.
Whole cauliflower roasted in the oven until charred and tender, served over a pool of lemon-tahini. Middle Eastern pantry, zero effort.
Harissa and brown butter replace tahini. More heat, more richness, more depth. Still roasted whole.
All the depth and richness of the classic French braise, made entirely with mushrooms. The wine matters. Use something you would drink.
Add Puy lentils for protein. They absorb the wine and become outrageously good. The most filling version.