Improve your culinary skills with Garlic Whole Roasted Cauliflower, a stunning and delectable side dish that will impress both your family and guests. This simple yet elegant recipe transforms an ordinary cauliflower into a stunning centerpiece infused with garlic and herb flavors. The cauliflower is roasted to perfection, leaving a tender and caramelized exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Whether served as a side dish for a holiday feast or as a flavorful accompaniment to a weeknight dinner, this Garlic Whole Roasted Cauliflower will steal the show. Let’s take a culinary journey and discover the irresistible allure of this delicious dish! 🥦🧄🔥
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Trim and Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Remove any outer leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem so that the cauliflower sits flat on the baking sheet. Leave the core intact.
3. Make the Garlic Herb Marinade:
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Coat the Cauliflower:
- Place the cauliflower head on the prepared baking sheet. Use a brush or your hands to evenly coat the cauliflower with the garlic herb marinade, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Roast the Cauliflower:
- Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center meets little resistance.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Once roasted, remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer it to a serving plate or cutting board.
- Garnish the roasted cauliflower with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the Garlic Whole Roasted Cauliflower warm, accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Optional Tips:
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade, such as rosemary, oregano, or cumin, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Leftover roasted cauliflower can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
To summarize, Garlic Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a simple but elegant dish that highlights the natural flavors of this humble vegetable while infusing it with the bold and aromatic essence of garlic and herbs. Whether served as a special occasion side dish or as a flavorful addition to weeknight meals, this roasted cauliflower will impress with its tender texture, caramelized exterior, and irresistible flavor profile. With only a few ingredients and little effort, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and leave an indelible impression on all who consume it. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to savor the mouthwatering goodness of Garlic Whole Roasted Cauliflower!