WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

This has been on the must-do cooking list for a while, and it did not disappoint. Easy prep work with a fun and delicious result. My daughter created the sauce as well, which is a yummy addition to this pretty, fun, light, and tasty “flower.”

INGREDIENTS
1 head cauliflower,
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2+1 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice


PREPARATION
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Rinse the cauliflower head and pat dry. Remove the outer leaves. Carefully cut off the bottom so that it's flat, being careful not to cut off so much that it falls apart. We need the head to stay intact!

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, parsley, basil, garlic, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.

Place nonstick foil on a roasting pan. Place the cauliflower head upside down (core side up) onto the foiled pan. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the cauliflower all over with the sauce, making sure to let some drip into the core of the cauliflower. Flip over and brush the remaining sauce all over the top. 

Roast in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and pierces easily with a fork.

Sprinkle the top of the cauliflower with the remaining tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Place the cauliflower under the broiler and broil for about 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is browned. Sprinkle with basil and parsley and any other desired spices. Makes 4-5 servings side-dish servings, or 2 main-dish servings.

Suggest serving with the tastiest sauce ☺️:

​Optional Tahini Dipping Sauce
⅓ cup water
⅓ cup tahini paste (I always recommend the Soom brand, just the best!)
3-4 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Add all ingredients to the blender. Blend and add more water for desired consistency. Enjoy!