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Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Scallion Date Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

Whole roasted cauliflower seasoned with a fragrant blend of spices and served with a creamy, tangy scallion date dressing and a smooth cannellini bean spread. This vibrant, plant-based dish is perfect as a centerpiece for a wholesome meal or as a flavorful vegetarian main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Cauliflower

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Better Than Bouillon vegetable base
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dry thyme
  • 1/4 tsp allspice

Bean Spread

  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1–2 medjool dates, pits removed
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 3–4 ice cubes
  • Extra virgin olive oil, as needed

Herby Date Vinaigrette

  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (separate whites and greens)
  • 4–5 medjool dates, pits removed
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp or more water
  • 1/4 cup parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Steam Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Fill a pot with water and fit a steamer basket over it. Bring the water to a simmer. Trim the leaves and stem of the cauliflower while keeping the head intact. Place the cauliflower in the steamer basket and steam for 6-8 minutes until slightly tender. Remove and transfer the cauliflower upright onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Make the Spiced Oil Mixture and Coat Cauliflower: In a small bowl, whisk together avocado oil, dijon mustard, vegetable base, ground coriander, smoked paprika, dry thyme, and allspice. Using a pastry brush, coat the top and underside of the cauliflower completely with the mixture. Reserve any leftover mixture.
  3. Roast Cauliflower: Roast the coated cauliflower on the middle oven rack for 20 minutes. Remove, brush the top with some of the remaining spiced mixture, and sprinkle generously with salt. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes or until the cauliflower has light charred spots.
  4. Prepare the Bean Spread: In a high-speed blender, combine the drained beans, tahini, grated garlic, medjool dates, lemon zest and juice, red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and ice cubes. Blend on high until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of ice cold water if too thick and blend to desired consistency.
  5. Prepare the Herby Date Vinaigrette: In a blender, combine the white parts of scallions, dates, dijon mustard, grated garlic, extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, lemon zest and juice, 2 tablespoons of water, and about 1/2 tsp salt. Blend on high until smooth. Add more water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed for desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste. Add green scallion slices and parsley or cilantro, then pulse a few times to mince evenly.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Spread the white bean spread on a serving plate. Place the roasted cauliflower on top. Drizzle about one-third of the herby date vinaigrette over the cauliflower before serving. Serve with your preferred protein and grain or pita bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Steaming the cauliflower before roasting ensures it becomes tender on the inside while roasting develops a flavorful charred crust.
  • Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the cauliflower with the spiced oil mixture for maximum flavor.
  • If the bean spread or dressing is too thick, add water gradually to achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
  • Adjust the level of sweetness in the dressings by varying the amount of medjool dates as per taste.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled proteins or warm pita bread for a hearty meal.
  • The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, suitable for those dietary preferences.

Keywords: roasted cauliflower, vegan main dish, scallion date dressing, cannellini bean spread, plant-based recipe, Mediterranean vegetarian

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/whole-roasted-cauliflower-with-creamy-scallion-date-dressing-recipe/