Description
Ina Garten’s garlic-roasted cauliflower delivers Mediterranean flavors with exceptional simplicity. Herb-kissed florets caramelize to golden perfection, promising a delightful side dish that makes roasted vegetables irresistible for dinner companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into large florets
- 1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated but not peeled
Nuts and Herbs:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) pine nuts, toasted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) minced fresh parsley
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
- 4.5 tablespoons (67.5 ml) good olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Elevate your oven temperature to a scorching 450°F (230°C), ensuring a perfectly heated cooking environment.
- Prepare the garlic by immersing cloves in boiling water for a brief 15-second bath. Quickly drain, then carefully peel away the skin, meticulously trimming any discolored sections. For larger cloves, slice them lengthwise to promote even roasting.
- Create a flavor-packed roasting base by combining cauliflower florets and prepared garlic on a spacious sheet pan. Generously coat with of olive oil, massaging in of kosher salt and of freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the ingredients in a single, uncrowded layer to ensure optimal caramelization.
- Roast the cauliflower mixture for 20-25 minutes, pausing twice to gently toss and promote uniform browning, until the edges turn golden and the vegetable becomes tender.
- Transfer the roasted medley to a generous mixing bowl. Drizzle with an additional 1½ tablespoons () of olive oil, then gently fold in fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, and a bright splash of lemon juice. Sprinkle with a final ½ teaspoon () of salt, tossing delicately to distribute flavors evenly. Serve immediately while the dish radiates warmth and aromatic intensity.
Notes
- Select peak-season cauliflower with crisp, white florets to ensure maximum sweetness and nutritional value.
- Gentler garlic preparation involves brief boiling, which reduces sharpness and creates smoother roasting results.
- Carefully toast pine nuts in a dry skillet, watching closely to prevent burning and enhance their nutty complexity.
- Warm serving temperatures help release aromatic oils and maintain the ideal texture of roasted vegetables.
- Fresh herbs sprinkled just before plating will elevate the overall flavor profile and add vibrant color to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 87
- Sugar: 1.8g
- Sodium: 462mg
- Fat: 6.53g
- Saturated Fat: 1.21g
- Carbohydrates: 6.57g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Protein: 2.77g
- Cholesterol: 0mg