Char-Roasted Lemony Cauliflower with Crispy Feta and Lots of Herbs
Servings 4people
Ingredients
1large headof cauliflower, trimmed
4tbspolive oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2tspgarlic powder
1/2tspdried thyme
1/4tspsmoked paprika
1(8 ounce) block feta in brine, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/4cupall purpose flour
1/2tspsesame seeds
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4cupfresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4cupcilantro leaves and stems, chopped
Substitutions:
Cauliflower—> potatoes, romanesco, sweet potatoes. Broccoli is not a good sub here, it cooks much faster.
Olive oil—>whatever your favorite cooking oil is.
Garlic powder—> 1 fresh garlic clove, grated, stirred in with the lemon juice, and tossed onto the cauliflower after roasting
Dried thyme—> 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary leaves. 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, rosemary, or dill.
Smoked paprika—> I LOVE smoked paprika. Get some. But in the meantime, you can use cumin or chili powder instead for some kick.
Feta—> you can use halloumi here, but don’t dredge it in flour. Just sear it as is!
Sesame seeds—> Everything But The Bagel Seasoning!!! Or poppy seeds. Or just omit!
Lemon juice—> 1 tablespoon white balsamic, champagne vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
Mint and cilantro—> any fresh, tender herb is wonderful here. Or arugula! Or just serve the cauliflower and feta and call it a day.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Cut the cauliflower and stem into 1/4-inch thick florets. Don’t toss the stem, it’s delicious too! Toss on a rimmed baking sheet with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika.
Spread cauliflower into an even layer and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring a couple times, until very tender and charred all over.
Meanwhile, slice 1 (8 ounce) block of feta into 1/4-inch thick slices. Pour 1/4 cup flour into a shallow bowl (or plate) and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a big pinch of black pepper. Dredge the feta through the flour, ensuring the flour sticks to it all over.
Warm the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the feta in batches if necessary, for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden-brown all over. Transfer to a plate and sprinkle with salt and 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds.
Transfer the cauliflower to a serving bowl and toss with the juice of 1/2 a lemon, 1/4 cup mint leaves, and 1/4 cup cilantro. Season to taste with more salt and pepper. Scatter the crispy feta over top and serve immediately.
Notes
Want to make this a full meal? Drain and dry a can of chickpeas, and roast those along with the cauliflower. Add 2 cups of baby arugula to the herbs that get tossed in, and you’ll have a nice big bulky salad.