Recently I blogged about a new way to roast veggies that stole my heart. At that time, carrots were the star of the show. Now, I share my second experiment with the method, following a recipe from the same issue in Fine Cooking, applied to cauliflower. A couple of tips are important for maximal deliciousness. First, do not cut the florets too small, keep them a bit chunky. Second, make sure to leave a flat, large side when you cut them. That will provide better browning during roasting. The roasted cauliflower is finished with a mixture containing a lot of ginger and other Indian spices. Read my thoughts about it in the comments.
STEAM-ROASTED INDIAN-SPICED CAULIFLOWER
(adapted from Fine Cooking magazine)
1 large head cauliflower cut into very large florets, florets halved lengthwise to make flat surfaces
5 Tbs. vegetable oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp ground coriander
2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
1 tsp. ground turmeric
pinch of ground cayenne pepper
1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F.
On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower and garlic with 3 Tbs. of the oil, 3/4 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Arrange the florets flat side down in a single layer. Cover tightly with foil and transfer to the oven to steam for 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil, rotate the baking sheet, and roast until the bottom side is nicely browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Flip the cauliflower and continue roasting until just tender and deeply browned, 10 to 12 minutes more.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 Tbs. oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the coriander, turmeric, and cayenne. Swirl in the lemon juice.
Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a serving bowl. Add the spice mixture, and toss gently. Season to taste with more salt, if needed, and serve.
ENJOY!
to print the recipe, click here
Comments: Once again I found the method wonderful to deliver perfectly roasted cauliflower florets. Now, about that spice mixture. I notice quite often these days that many recipes follow what I like to call The Ottolenghi Path: they call for the addition of many spices and herbs to a dish, often in unexpected combinations. That is not necessarily a bad thing, he is for sure a gastronomic genius, but there is also something to be said about a simply roasted veggie, with a smidgen of olive oil, salt, pepper, and perhaps a single added spice. Of course, cookbooks, magazines, cooking shows, they all need to come up with clever, exotic ways to make food, otherwise, why would we bother paying attention to them, right? Anyway, in this particular recipe I felt that the addition of the sautéed spices plus the lemon juice messed up slightly the texture of the roasted cauliflower, and also overpowered its flavor a bit. Granted, it made the dish feel more festive. But, if you are in the mood for a classic approach, omit it all, roast it, and serve it as it is. You won’t be disappointed. I will be steam-roasting cauliflower again and again, either in its natural state, or using this recipe with the following modifications: cut the ginger by half, keep the turmeric and coriander, add some lemon zest, and omit the lemon juice and cayenne. That might be a real winner for me.
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Bewitching Kitchen 
I shall have to admit that cauliflower still isn’t my favourite vegetable. I have made inroads into liking it better, however, especially after seeing the NYT video on how to roast one (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/06/dining/roasted-cauliflower-recipe-video.html?smid=fb-share). I am now intrigued by your method of steam roasting it, thank you. And yes, I thoroughly agree about your take on simplicity ! A little of what one fancies goes a long way … 🙂 Best wishes for the holidays and all the very very best for the coming new year.
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It’s not my husband’s favorite either – he eats it, but in small amounts and let’s say he is not thrilled. This method gives such a nice crunch on the outside, and it cooks it perfectly all the way through – maybe you could give it a try 😉
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I’ve used your steam roasting method several times now with carrots and it works so well! It was interesting to read your experience with cauliflower too, I will definitely try it. And I agree with your comments, beautifully roasted cauliflower is gorgeous as it is, if I add any spicing at all, I would always keep it light 🙂
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I’ve been doing the carrots also quite often – the timing is pretty flexible too, I noticed.
I ve been thinking of eggplant next – your favorite! 😉
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Ooh, that would be interesting…x
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I agree with you about the simplicity of a little oil, salt and pepper. Maybe a sprig of rosemary or thyme or a clove of garlic. The veggies with their sweetness enhanced by the caramelization just sing.
Merry Christmas!
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exactly! They do sing….
all we have to do is listen! 😉
Merry Christmas, dear!
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Merry Christmas, Sally! I think this recipe is going to be a lifesaver for my vegan relatives!!!
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Awesome! So glad you consider making it!
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Sally, how much garlic? not listed in ingredients?
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I don’t use garlic in our cooking. Forgot to remove from the instructions – in the recipe it called for 1 clove or to taste
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No garlic?! Oh my stars and garters!
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Explaining – we deal with garlic sensitivity issues. Haven’t used garlic in 15 years and now I became so sensitive to its taste that to me any food containing it tastes exclusively like garlic. SInce most people like it, I often will include it in the published version of a recipe, even if I omit it 😉 But in this one I forgot to take it out of the instructions. will do so later today
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Oh I understand now!!!
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Oh I understand now!!!
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I’m a huge fan of cauliflower! This looks delicious!
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I eat cauliflower at least once a week – so it’s nice to find ways to optimize its roasting. It is such a versatile veggie!
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I am so glad you shared this recipe, Sally. I’ve been turning to cauliflower more frequently of late and am in need of better recipes. This one here will certainly answer the call. It sounds delicIous and I look forward to trying it.
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