Savory Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Zesty Mustard Vinaigrette
Elevate your vegetable game with this Savory Whole Roasted Cauliflower infused with a delightful Mustard Vinaigrette. The roasting process enhances the cauliflower's natural flavors, rendering it tender and slightly caramelized, with a beautiful golden exterior. Paired with a zesty vinaigrette that brings together the earthy taste of mustard and the brightness of lemon, this recipe not only appeals to the palate but also serves as a stunning centerpiece for your dining table. Ideal for vegetarian mains or as a robust side dish, it’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion. Share this flavorful dish with friends and family for a memorable feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
2 (small, about 1 pound each, rinsed and trimmed)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (good-quality)
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (fresh)
Sea Salt
1 teaspoon (fine)
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Nutmeg
1 pinch (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large, deep pot, set a steamer basket and fill it with water to a depth of ½ to 1 inch, ensuring the water sits just below the bottom of the steamer.
3
Rinse the cauliflower thoroughly under cold water, removing any leaves and trimming the base as necessary. Place the cauliflower heads in the steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 15-20 minutes until they are tender and have turned from opaque white to a translucent, yellowy off-white.
4
While the cauliflower is steaming, prepare the mustard vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fine sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg until well combined.
5
Once the cauliflower has finished steaming, carefully transfer them to a medium baking dish or small roasting pan. Arrange them side by side, using a pastry brush to generously coat each head with the prepared oil mixture. Reserve some for later basting.
6
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with the reserved oil mixture, for a total of three light bastings, including the initial one.
7
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue roasting for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is pale golden and a knife can be easily inserted into the core.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve the roasted cauliflower hot or warm, drizzled with the zesty mustard vinaigrette, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Zesty Mustard Vinaigrette?
It is a flavorful vegetable dish where whole cauliflower heads are steamed and then roasted with a lemon and mustard-infused oil mixture until golden and tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
How do I prepare the cauliflower for cooking?
Rinse the cauliflower thoroughly, remove any leaves, and trim the base as necessary before steaming.
How long does it take to steam the cauliflower?
The cauliflower should be steamed for 15-20 minutes until it is tender and turns a translucent, yellowy off-white.
How much water is needed for steaming?
Fill a large pot with 1/2 to 1 inch of water, ensuring the water level is below the steamer basket.
What ingredients are in the mustard vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is made by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fine sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan and vegetarian-friendly as it contains no animal products.
Is the Savory Whole Roasted Cauliflower gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What size cauliflower should I use?
The recipe calls for two small cauliflower heads, weighing about one pound each.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: cauliflower, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
How do I apply the mustard vinaigrette to the cauliflower?
Use a pastry brush to generously coat each head with the oil mixture before roasting and during the basting process.
How long do I roast the cauliflower while it is covered?
Roast the cauliflower covered with aluminum foil for 30 minutes.
How often should I baste the cauliflower during roasting?
You should baste the cauliflower every 10 minutes with the reserved oil mixture while it is roasting under the foil.
What do I do after the initial 30 minutes of roasting?
Remove the aluminum foil and continue roasting for another 10-20 minutes until the cauliflower is pale golden.
How do I know the cauliflower is fully cooked?
The cauliflower is done when it is pale golden and a knife can be easily inserted into the core.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Can I use pre-ground nutmeg?
While freshly grated nutmeg is suggested for the best flavor, pre-ground nutmeg can be used as a substitute.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
This dish is best served hot or warm, drizzled with the zesty mustard vinaigrette.
What kind of baking dish is needed?
A medium baking dish or a small roasting pan is ideal for arranging the two cauliflower heads side by side.
Does this recipe use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What is the purpose of steaming before roasting?
Steaming ensures the whole cauliflower becomes tender throughout, while roasting provides a caramelized exterior and deepens the flavor.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it is suitable as a vegetarian main dish or as a robust side dish for holidays and gatherings.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of good-quality olive oil.
Is the cauliflower roasted whole or in florets?
The cauliflower is roasted whole to create a stunning centerpiece for the table.
What color should the cauliflower be after steaming?
It should change from opaque white to a translucent, yellowy off-white color.
Does this recipe contain any dairy?
No, there is no dairy in this recipe.
What type of black pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
What is the texture of the roasted cauliflower?
The cauliflower becomes tender on the inside and slightly caramelized on the outside.
Can I make this recipe for a holiday dinner?
Yes, its impressive presentation makes it a perfect centerpiece for special occasions and holidays.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to allow it to cool slightly and then drizzle it with the zesty mustard vinaigrette.