Page 30 - Veggiefood Presentation

Smoky Roasted

Cauliflower

Ingredients Method

1 large head of cauliflower
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Place a rack in the centre of your oven and preheat to
1-2 teaspoons smoked paprika 400 F/ 205c. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil for
Salt easier clean-up, if desired. Pull the leaves off of the
cauliflower base. Cut off the lower part of the stem.
Cut the head of cauliflower into four quarters
Slice each quarter into 6-8 pieces. You want as many flat
surfaces as possible on each floret-- the flat surfaces
caramelize best. Caramelization is the key to giving the
roasted cauliflower flavour.

Give all the florets a thorough rinse in a colander. Shake
them dry. Spread out the cauliflower on your baking
sheet or pan. Reserve any small bits of cauliflower that
have fallen away from the florets in a small bowl.
Drizzle the florets evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil. I
use a measuring spoon of olive oil, which makes it easier
to gauge how much oil I'm using, rather than pouring
straight from the bottle. Toss the florets to coat them
fully with oil-- I use clean hands for this step.

Sprinkle the cauliflower evenly with smoked paprika and
salt to taste. Be generous with the salt-- smoked paprika
really sings when it's combined with salt.
Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let
the cauliflower roast for 10 minutes. While cauliflower is
cooking, drizzle 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil into the small
bowl of reserved cauliflower bits that have fallen away
from the florets and toss to coat. Sprinkle them with
smoked paprika and salt. You will add these to the sheet
a little later so they won't burn.
After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the
oven. Sprinkle the reserved cauliflower bits onto the
baking sheet.
Return the baking sheet to the oven. Let the cauliflower
roast for 10-20 minutes longer till tender. When it's
ready you will be able to pierce it easily with a fork. Keep
a close eye on the cauliflower, it can go from brown to
burned fairly quickly if you're not careful.