October

Sheet Pan Patatas Bravas with Chorizo and Kale

1 (28-ounce) bag small, multicolored potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (12-ounce) package chorizo links, or 4 sausages of any kind
2 bunches lacinato kale, washed
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut potatoes into quarters, place in a large bowl; toss in olive oil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and pepper. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Cut sausages into ½-inch rounds, and place rounds on baking sheet. Transfer to oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until sausages are golden brown. Remove sausage, set aside, and use a spatula to flip potatoes. Return to oven and continue roasting until potatoes are crispy and golden, about 15 more minutes.

While the potatoes roast, prepare the kale: Remove the thick, center rib from kale leaves, and cut the leaves into ¼-inch strips. The easiest way to do this is to stack your de-ribbed kale leaves, then roll the stacked leaves and slice, creating ribbons. Set kale aside.

Prepare your sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sriracha, and taste. Add more sriracha to your own spice preference and thin with a little water, if necessary, to make it easier to drizzle.

When potatoes are done, remove them from the oven, then transfer potatoes to a bowl. Place the kale on the baking sheet and use a pair of tongs to coat the kale ribbons in the oil leftover on the pan from the sausages and potatoes. Once coated, add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the apple cider vinegar and continue mixing, using hands to squeeze and massage kale, until fully coated. Spread into an even layer, top with potatoes and sausage pieces, then drizzle with the mayonnaise mixture. Serve.

Roasted Cauliflower Gratin

ingredients

2 medium cauliflower heads (about 10 cups, 20 ounces florets)
2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
——–
2 Tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 onion, diced or sub 2 fat shallots)
6–8 garlic cloves, rough chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chopped sage (or 2 teaspoons dry sage, or sub rosemary or thyme)
Bechamel Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gf flour)
2 cups milk, hot
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (fresh grated is nice)
¼ cup grated gruyere cheese- (or mozzarella -plus 3 Tablespoons for the top)
¼ cup grated Parmesan or pecorino
Optional Additions:

¼ cup crispy bacon bits, or crispy pancetta
¼ cup vegan “bacon bits”
bread crumb topping (see notes)
instructions
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Roast the Cauliflower: Cut cauliflower into bite size pieces, toss with olive oil (just enough to lightly coat) salt and pepper and place on one (or two) parchment-lined sheet pans ( in a single layer) and bake until tender and golden, about 20-25 minutes.
Saute the onions: In an extra large skillet saute the onion over med- high heat in olive oil until tender and fragrant, stirring often, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and sage and lower heat to medium and sauté 3-4 minutes, until fragrant, season with salt and pepper. Take your time here and make sure onion and garlic are golden and tender. Set aside.
Make the Bechamel Sauce: In a small pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir until butter just begins to become golden and becomes nutty and fragrant. Add flour. Stir and cook flour for at least 1 minute. Whisk in ½ C hot milk making sure to whisk all the flour from the corners and sides of the pot. Add another ½ C milk, whisking well. Add the final cup of milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper and whisk constantly until mixture thickens and just comes to a simmer. Turn heat to low and whisk in cheese and set aside.
Assemble: Use a greased, oven-proof 10 inch cast iron skillet, 8×11 inch baking dish or greased individual ramekins. Toss the roasted cauliflower with the Bechamel sauce and onions/garlic/ sage mixture. Taste for salt and pepper, adjusting to your liking.
Top with optional bread crumbs (see notes), optional crispy bacon or pancetta (or vegan bacon bits) a few sage leaves or a little more cheese. You could refrigerate this overnight at this point if making ahead (perhaps not in the cast iron). If refrigerating, be sure to bring to room temp before baking.
Lower heat to 375 F and bake uncovered in the oven, until golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.

Roasted Cauliflower with Gremolata

1 large cauliflower-Sliced into ¾ inch slices
1 bunch Italian parsley- finely chopped- 1 Cup (or use part mint or cilantro)
2–3 garlic cloves- finely minced
1/3 C olive oil
Zest of one large lemon (1 ½ Tablespoon) finely chopped
1/8 C fresh lemon juice (half a lemon)
3/4 tsp salt
pepper to taste

Pre-heat oven to 425F.

Remove cauliflower leaves and trim sides of the stem, leaving the length. Slice Cauliflower into ½ inch to 3/4 inch thick slices. ( See photo). Arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt and a little pepper. Roast in the oven, uncovered until golden and tender, about 30 minutes (check at 25 minutes). The thicker the slices the longer you will have to roast.

While cauliflower steaks are roasting, make the gremolata.

Chop Italian parsley ( some stems are ok) finely, to make roughly one cup, and place in a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine.

When Cauliflower is tender, arrange on a platter, and drizzle gremolata over top.

Sheet Pan Warm Winter Salad

1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
2–3 large carrots (or parsnips), peeled and cut into 1 inch thick pieces
1 fennel bulb, cored and cut in 1/3 inch thick wedges
1 red onion, sliced ito 1/2 inch wedges
14-ounce can chickpeas ( rinsed, drained and patted dry) about 1 1 /2 cups cooked chickpeas
2–3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced or use 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 teaspoons coriander
2 teaspoons sumac (optional, but tasty)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
zest from one lemon
Couple handfuls baby spinach
Everyday Tahini Sauce (thin out with a little water, to make it more like a dressing)
3–4 tablespoons Dukkah (or a 2 tablespoons Zaatar)
3–4 tablespoons fresh dill
squeeze of lemon juice
Aleppo chili flakes ( or reguluar)

Preheat oven to 425F.

Place the cauliflower florets, carrots, fennel, onion and chickpeas in a EXTRA large bowl. Toss with the olive oil, minced garlic, coriander, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Toss well.

Place in a single layer on one or two, parchement lined sheet pans. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss veggies and rotate pans, bake 10-15 minutes more until cauliflower is tender, and edges crispy.
Make the Everyday Tahini Sauce and the Dukkah.

If serving on the sheet pan, move all the veggies onto one pan. Spread around evenly. Top with the baby spinach, drizzle the tahini sauce over top (diagonally is nice) and sprinkle with the Dukkah. Squeeze with a little lemon.

Garnish with the fresh dill and Chili flakes.

Enjoy!

Sheet Pan Chicken Shawarma Bowl with Cauliflower (with Tofu Variation)

1– 1 1/2 pounds chicken ( breast or thigh) or tofu or a mix of both
1 onion
1 red pepper- optional
1 cauliflower – optional see notes

Quick Shawarma Marinade:

1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon granulated garlic ( or two cloves, finely minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Wrap Options:

4 x 10-12 inch wraps or pita bread
Cucumber, radish, or tomato, Everyday Kale Slaw or Isreali Salad or greens like arugula or spinach
Shawarma Bowl Options:

cooked grain ( rice, quinoa, barley) or roasted, “riced” cauliflower ( see notes)
roasted cauliflower or other roasted veggies
Serve both with Everyday Tahini Sauce, Zhoug, or Zhoug Yogurt, Baba ganoush and optional Isreali Salad.

Tandoori Bowl with Sheet Pan Roasted Cauliflower (with Chicken Variation)

1/2 head cauliflower, cut into florets ( or feel free to cook the whole thing and use leftovers for lunch)
1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, patted dry
1–2 boneless, skinless, chicken breast (optional)
1/2 red onion, sliced into ½ inch thick rings or wedges
2–3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
1 – 2 tablespoons Tandoori spice ( see below)

Serve with cooked rice or grain ( both optional) and optional Green Harissa Sauce, fresh Italian parsley leaves ( or cilantro). Slivered almonds, pomegranate seeds, would be nice too.

Homemade Tandoori Spice ( mix in a bowl, use 1-2 tablespoons, save the rest in an airtight jar)

2 tablespoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper ( optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

GREEN HARISSA SAUCE

Pre heat oven to 425F. If serving with rice, set it to boil on the stove. Add a cinnamon stick for added aroma.

Cut cauliflower and onion and place them along with chickpeas, on a parchment lined sheet-pan, along with the chicken breast if using.

Drizzle all with olive oil. Sprinkle everything generously with salt and pepper and generously with the tandoori spice. Give things a little toss. Drizzle a little more oil on the chicken breast to coat, rubbing it in a bit ( to prevent it from getting dry.) Place in the oven for 20 minutes. Check, toss, cook 5 more minutes if you need to. See notes.

Serve over rice or grain (or go grain- free) with optional Green harissa yogurt.

To make Green Harissa Sauce, see recipe.

notes

Small chicken breasts will cook in about 20 minutes at 425F. If they are big, they will take longer. Thighs will take longer still, especially bone-in, skin on. …and you may want to cook them in a separate baking dish, so you can pull the veggies out sooner.

To make this more festive looking add pomegranate seeds! If you like a bit of sweetness, try adding dried golden raisins or dried chopped apricots to the rice. Slivered almonds are nice too as a garnish.

Oaxacan Bowl with Sheet Pan Roasted Peppers and Sweet Potatoes

Spice Rub

2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon ground chipotle ( or swap out a mix of smoked paprika and chili powder)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Sheet Pan ingredients

1/2 a red onion, cut in ½ inch wedges
1 medium yam or sweet potato- diced into ¾ inch cubes ( leave skin on)
8 baby bell peppers, cut in half (or 1 regular red or yellow bell pepper, cut into strips )
½ cup pecans
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 15-16 ounce can Seasoned Black Beans ( Cuban style or Mexican style) or use regular black beans ( see notes)
Garnish: Avocado, cilantro, scallions, Cabbage Slaw, Mexican Secret Sauce or Vegan Avocado Sauce

Quick Cabbage Slaw

1/2 of a a red cabbage, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped cilantro or scallions or both
1 teaspoon coriander
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon lime juice
instructions
Preheat oven to 400F

Mix cumin, chipotle and salt together in a small bowl.

Place onion, sweet potato and peppers on a parchment lined sheet pan. Drizzle onion and potato with a little olive oil and sprinkle generously with spice mix, tossing to coat all sides well. Use about ½ or 2/3 of the spice.

Place in the oven for 20-30 minutes, tossing halfway through.

On another smaller parchment-lined pan, toss the pecans with 2 teaspoons maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of the spice mix. Place in the oven (on a lower rack) for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. When you pull it out, give nuts a quick toss to loosen them up and “fluffen” them, so when they cool, they are easy to remove.

Heat the seasoned beans in a small pot on the stove ( see notes) and make the slaw. Finely chop or shred the cabbage and place in a medium bowl with the rest of the ingredients, toss. Taste, adjust lime and salt.

Slice the avocado.

When the veggies are fork tender, assemble the bowls. Divide the beans among 2-3 bowls. Divide all the veggies, placing them over the beans, and top with slaw and add the avocado.

Serve with the Chipotle Mayo ( vegan-adaptable) or Vegan Avocado sauce if you like, or sour cream and hot sauce– it’s fine without though too. ?

Sheet Pan Smoky Cauliflower with Chimichurri (for Bowls or Tacos)

Smoky Roasted Cauliflower:

one head cauliflower, cut into small florets
red bell pepper, cut in half
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Seasoned Black beans:

1 x 14-ounce can black beans ( serves 2-3, feel free to double) rinsed, drained
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
drizzle olive oil

2 cups cooked rice (optional, or sub quinoa or black rice)

Mexican Slaw (or sub shredded cabbage or radishes)

Chimichurri Sauce

Other toppings: sliced avocado, pickled red onions, cilantro, sprouts.

Heat oven to 425F.

If making rice or quinoa, cook it according to directions first.

Roast the Cauliflower: Toss Cauliflower with olive oil, salt and spices in a large bowl, and place in a single layer, on parchement-lined sheet pans (you may need two. Cut the bell pepper in half and place on the same sheet pan open side down. Roast 12 minutes, turn cauliflower over, rotating racks ( top rack will cook faster) and cook another 12-15 minutes, until nice and golden, and fork-tender.

Make the Chimichurri Sauce, optional Mexican slaw and optional pickled onions.

Season the blackbeans: Warm up the black beans in a small pot on the stove, adding water, spices, salt and oil.

Assemble Bowls: Layer rice and beans, top with roasted cauliflower. Drizzle with a little chimichurri sauce and garnish with the slaw, avocado, pickled onions, sprouts and cilantro.
notes

Repurpose these into tacos. Fold the warm cauliflower into warm tortillas, add chimichurri sauce, Mexican Slaw, avocado, seasoned black beans if you like, and your favorite hot sauce! Yum!!!

These also taste great as a wrap or burrito.

Whole-Roasted Broccoli With Herbed Yogurt, Dukkah & Chile

ROASTED BROCCOLI
2 broccoli heads
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt

HERBED YOGURT
1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 lemon, juice of
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 garlic clove

SERVING
Extra-virgin olive oil
Dukkah (recipe below)
1 serrano pepper, very thinly sliced
1 lemon
Flaky sea salt

Dukkah:
1 cup raw hazelnuts or pistachios
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently lower in the broccoli and boil for 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate or sheet pan lined with paper towels and let the broccoli air-dry.

Once the broccoli has stopped steaming, place it on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and generously sprinkle with the kosher salt. Roast until golden and lightly charred in some places, 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how hot your oven is.

Make the herbed yogurt: In a blender, combine the yogurt, parsley, chives, tarragon, lemon juice, kosher salt, and garlic. Blend until smooth.

To serve: Place the roasted broccoli on a serving platter and drizzle over the yogurt and some olive oil. Sprinkle with the dukkah and serrano, add a squeeze of lemon juice and pinch of sea salt, and serve warm.

Dukkah

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast until lightly golden, about 7 minutes. Let the nuts cool just enough to handle. Wrap the nuts in a clean towel and use the towel to slough off the skins. Set aside.

Heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the cumin seeds and coriander seeds and toast briefly until fragrant and slightly golden, about 2 minutes. Set aside, separately from the nuts.
In the same pan, toast the sesame seeds until fragrant and slightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

In a blender, combine the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and cardamom and blend briefly, until they just start to break down. Add the hazelnuts and blitz a few times more, making sure not to overblend. You want a chunky texture here, not nut butter.

Empty the mixture into a medium bowl and add the sesame seeds and salt. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 months.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Potatoes and Carrots

1 small to medium cauliflower

Marinade:
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp thyme
1.5 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp ground sage
2.5 tbsp soy sauce, divided (use tamari if gluten-free), or coconut aminos
1 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1.5 tsp coriander (or a mix of coriander and cumin)
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp cardamom
additional optional flavor add ins: 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp celery seed, 1/4 tsp rosemary
sides, optional
6 to 8 small potatoes (sliced into halves)
18 to 10 small carrots
1/3 tsp salt
1/3 tsp black pepper
1 tsp oil

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 C).

Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce and the rest of the marinade ingredients together. Add 2-3 tbsp of water or chikn flavored broth and mix to combine the garlic and salt well.

Using a thin knife, make some small cuts on the top and the bottom of the cauliflower. Pour half of the marinade inside the overturned cauliflower and move it around to coat the indies well. Brush the cauliflower lightly and let it sit upside down to marinate for at least an hour (marination time is optional, but helps add more flavor).

Once the cauliflower has marinated for an hour, and brush more marinade on the cauliflower and place in a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet.

Mix the potatoes, carrots, salt, pepper and oil in a bowl and place on either side of the cauliflower. (You can bake these separately and add later to the serving dish with the cauliflower before serving)

Cover with foil or another baking dish to cover just about the cauliflower dish. It is not necessary to seal the dish completely. Roast at 425 degrees F for 30 -35 minutes(longer for larger head). Add 1-2 tbsp water and the 1/2 tbsp soy sauce to the remaining marinade. Uncover and baste liberally again.

There should be some moisture that leaks from the veggies and marinade into the pan because of covering and baking. If not, then drizzle a few tbsp water or broth around the cauliflower so the side veggies/marinade dont get scorched. Continue to bake uncovered for 20 to 30 mins. Use a knife to check if the cauliflower is cooked all the way through.

Remove when done and baste with any remaining marinade. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Cumin and Lime

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 head cauliflower
1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1 lime, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons chile powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400° and lightly grease a small baking sheet with vegetable oil. Set aside.

Trim the base of the cauliflower to remove any green leaves and the woody stem.

In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt with the lime zest and juice, chile powder, cumin, garlic powder, curry powder, salt and pepper.

Dunk the cauliflower into the bowl and use a brush or your hands to smear the marinade evenly over its surface. (Excess marinade can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days and used with meat, fish or other veggies.)

Place the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet and roast until the surface is dry and lightly browned, 30 to 40 minutes. The marinade will make a crust on the surface of the cauliflower.

Let the cauliflower cool for 10 minutes before cutting it into wedges and serving alongside a big green salad.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Balsamic Glaze and Parmesan

1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Remove leaves from cauliflower. Slice the bottom of the core off so that it will sit evenly on the baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon oil all over the cauliflower. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast, core-side up, for 45 minutes.

Stir the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and balsamic glaze together in a small bowl. Remove the cauliflower from the oven. Using a fork, gently separate the florets and drizzle the oil-and-vinegar mixture over and into the cauliflower. Roast, core-side down, for 15 more minutes.

Remove the cauliflower from the oven. Combine Parmesan and thyme; pat all over the surface and into the crevices of the cauliflower. Return to the oven and roast, core-side down, until tender and browned, about 15 minutes more. Before serving, drizzle the cauliflower with any excess vinaigrette that has accumulated on the baking sheet.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Zaatar and Tahini

1 whole cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon zaatar spice ( or try dukkah!) ( or try a mix of coriander, cumin and optional sumac)
1 cup water
Tahini sauce for seving
Fresh herbs for garnish – parsley, dill and or mint, sprinkle with optional aleppo chili flakes

Preheat oven to 425F.

Trim the cauliflower – either cutting off the stem (easier) or leaving it intact, trimming and slicing the bottom so it stands up strait.

Place it in an oven proof skillet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon oil all over the cauliflower, sprinkle with salt and Zaatar spice. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the pan.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45-55 minutes. Smaller cauliflowers heads will take 45 minutes. Use your best judgement.

Make the Everyday Tahini Sauce! Follow link to recipe.

Very carefully take the foil off, minding the hot steam (it will burn!). Drizzle with a little more olive oil, place back in the oven for 30 minutes, perhaps rotating halfway through. At this point it should be deeply golden, but if not, continue roasting until it is, another 10-15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh herbs, optional aleppo chili flakes, and either drizzle the tahini sauce over the whole thing right in the pan, or cut it up, like a cake, into wedges and serve the tahini sauce on the side.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Chimichurri

1 whole cauliflower, leaves trimmed off
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons fresh oregano
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
How to Make Oven Baked Cauliflower

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).

Rinse the cauliflower, then use 1/4 cup of olive oil, to coat the whole head, top to bottom, of cauliflower.

Place in a cast iron skillet or baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and cook for 30 minutes.

Remove aluminum foil and cook for an additional 60 minutes. The cauliflower will be golden brown when fully cooked.

Meanwhile, in a small food processor, combine the remaining olive oil, herbs, garlic, and spices. Blitz till combined, but still slightly chunky.

Remove cauliflower from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before topping with chimichurri sauce and serving.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Shawarma and Harissa

1 large head cauliflower
2 Tbsp avocado oil or melted coconut oil
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp shawarma spice blend (or curry powder, plus more for exterior)
1-2 tsp harissa paste (optional)
2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp sea salt (plus more for exterior)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C). Also fill a small baking pan halfway with water and set on the floor (bottom) of the oven. This will provide steam to help the cauliflower cook more evenly.

Rinse and dry the head of cauliflower and carefully cut off the bottom stalk without removing too much of the core. You want the entire head intact for baking. Peel away any remaining green leaves and place in a cast-iron skillet (or other oven-safe pan).

In a mixing bowl, mix together avocado oil or melted coconut oil, water, shawarma spice blend, harissa paste (optional), maple syrup, and salt. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more shawarma for smoky flavor, harissa paste (optional) for spiciness, maple syrup for sweetness, or salt for more intense overall flavor.

Flip your cauliflower upside down and pour on most of the sauce. Let the sauce pour down the core, shake it around so it infuses the center, and then flip the cauliflower over and use a brush to rub the leftover sauce (including any that seeped into the pan) all over the exterior for maximum flavor. Place cauliflower core-side down before baking and add an extra pinch of salt and spice blend to the exterior for extra flavor.

Place skillet in oven and roast for 35-50 minutes (depending on size of cauliflower) or until a knife easily pierces the core. If you prefer softer cauliflower, then roast for longer. For cauliflower with a little bite, roast for less time.

To brown the exterior, increase heat to high broil and roast 2-4 more minutes, watching carefully as not to burn.

Remove from oven and enjoy as is or garnish with desired sauces and sides.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven until hot.

Gobhi Musallam (Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Tomatoes)

2 tablespoon(s) ghee or vegetable oil
2 large tomatoes, cut in four pieces
2 medium bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) turmeric
teaspoon(s) cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon(s) dried coconut
1 large cauliflower (about 900 gram)
2/3 cup(s) water
1/2 cup(s) chopped cilantro, to garnish
1 Whole lemon, sliced in several pieces
1 teaspoon(s) salt, or as desired

Heat the ghee or vegetable oil in a deep saucepan and sauté tomatoes until their juices run.

Add bay leaves, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt and coconut and stir thoroughly for another 2-3 minutes.

Remove leaves and stem from cauliflower, turn it floret-side down, and place over cooking mixture.
Pour water, cover pan, and simmer about 30 minutes. From time to time, remove cover and baste cauliflower with cooking mixture.

When cauliflower is tender, remove from heat and transfer the whole cauliflower together with the remaining liquid onto a serving dish.

Garnish with coriander and lemon and serve hot.

Baked Gobhi

1 cauliflower (gobhi), large
2 cup(s) yogurt, hung for 2 hours or Greek yogurt
1/2 teaspoon(s) garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon(s) ginger paste
1/2 teaspoon(s) garam masala
1 teaspoon(s) roasted and powdered dhania (coriander) and jeera (cumin) powder
1/2 teaspoon(s) crushed red chilies
1 teaspoon(s) sugar
1/2 teaspoon(s) mint leaves
2 tablespoon(s) spring onions, for seasoning
2 tablespoon(s) butter, for seasoning
2 tablespoon(s) cilantro leaves, for seasoning

Cut cauliflower into large florets. Immerse it into salted boiling water for 5-7 mins.

Drain and run them under cold water. Pat dry with a kitchen towel. Mix all the ingredients in yogurt and make a smooth marinade.

Apply all over to the florets with an oil brush. Apply as much as possible; also in the gaps.
Add melted butter over the cauliflower. Place cauliflower in a shallow Pyrex (casserole) dish and place it in an oven preheated at 300 for about 20 to 25 mins or till the florets turn tender.
For garnishing, heat butter and add spring onions to it. Stir fry for 2 mins.

Pour this along with green dhaniya over the baked gobi and toss lightly with a fork.

Sprinkle some chaat masala over the gobis.

Serve hot. Best served with parathas or naan.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

1 (1 1/2- to 2-pound) head cauliflower with leaves
2 gallons water
7 tablespoons sel gris, divided
3 tablespoons best-quality extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Preheat oven to 550°F with oven rack in center of oven. Trim stem of cauliflower, keeping leaves intact, so it will sit level on a rimmed baking sheet. Bring 2 gallons water to a boil in a large stockpot over high. Stir in 61/2 tablespoons sel gris until dissolved.

Add cauliflower to water; place a heatproof ceramic plate on top of cauliflower to keep it submerged. Boil until tender and a fork inserted in cauliflower meets no resistance, 12 to 13 minutes. Using a spider, gently lift cauliflower from water, and let drain in spider, allowing water to drip back into pot. Place cauliflower, stem side down, on a rimmed baking sheet. Let stand until cauliflower has cooled slightly and is dry to the touch, about 15 minutes.

Rub 1 tablespoon olive oil between hands, then rub over cauliflower to apply a thin, even layer. (Alternatively, use a brush to spread oil evenly over cauliflower.) Sprinkle remaining 11/2 teaspoons sel gris over cauliflower (salt might clump in some places). Bake in preheated oven until dark brown, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven, and carefully rub with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Serve hot.

Thai Roasted Cauliflower

About 1/3 – 1/2 large head cauliflower (see note)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 T olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
juice and zest of 1 lime
1 tsp fish sauce (vegan alteration: wheat-free tamari)
2 tsp sugar
1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeded for milder tastes)
1/4 cup dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts crushed or finely chopped
extra cilantro, lime and jalapeño, for serving

Preheat oven to 425F. Carefully trim the outer leaves off your cauliflower leaving the stem intact. Slice the cauliflower into about 3/4″ slabs all the way through the stem. Reserve any loose florets (probably half a head, or so) for another use — or just roast them alongside the steaks. They won’t look as cool, but whatever.

Liberally drizzle cauli with olive oil and roast on a baking sheet in a single layer for 30 minutes, until deep golden brown with crisp spots in places. Let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, stir together cilantro, 2 T olive oil, lime juice, fish sauce or tamari, sugar and jalapeño in a small bowl.

Top cauli steaks with cilantro mixture, crushed peanuts and lime zest and extra cilantro, lime juice and jalapeños to taste. Enjoy!

Pasta chi Vruocculi Arriminati (Sicilian Pasta with Cauliflower, Raisins, and Pine Nuts)

1 whole cauliflower (roughly chopped into florets)
2 1/2 ounces pine nuts
3 ounces stale bread
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to serve
1 onion, chopped
8 anchovy fillets
2 1/2 ounces raisins
1 teaspoon saffron strands
14 ounces linguine

Bring a large saucepan of generously salted water to boil. Add the cauliflower florets to the water and turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the cauliflower can easily be cut through with a butter knife.

While the cauliflower is cooking, toast the pine nuts in a medium-size frying pan for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, giving the pan an occasional shake, until they are golden brown. Set aside.

Tear the bread into chunks and blend in a food processor to make coarse crumbs. Using the same pan you cooked the pine nuts in, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the bread crumbs. Fry gently, shaking the pan occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until they turn crisp and golden, then take off the heat and set aside.

In a second, large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, add the onion and a generous pinch of salt. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the anchovies to the pan, and fry gently until they melt into the onions. Then add the raisins and the toasted pine nuts. Stir and turn the heat to a simmer.

Use a pestle and mortar to grind the saffron and a pinch of salt into a fine red powder. Scoop out a splash (roughly 1-2 tablespoons) of the cooking water into a small cup; add the powdered saffron and set to one side to infuse for a few minutes.

When the cauliflower is cooked, use a slotted spoon to scoop the florets out of the water and toss them into the pan with the onion mix. Save the cooking water. Pour the saffron-infused liquid over the cauliflower, and stir, breaking up any large pieces of cauliflower with a wooden spoon. Season with salt to taste.

Cook the pasta in the same water as the cauliflower (top it up with fresh water if needed) until al dente, as per the instructions on the packet.

When the pasta is cooked, scoop out half a cup of the cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta and toss it into the pan with the sauce and the reserved cooking water, and stir together so the pasta is coated in sauce.

Spoon the pasta chi vruocculi arriminati onto a large serving dish, add a generous drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle the bread crumbs on top. Eat immediately.