Before I even go into this recipe, are you seeing those golden caramelised edges?  Can you say – perfection? That’s exactly what I thought when I pulled these out of the oven. I’ve been on a cauliflower kick for quite a while which is funny since before I became a vegetarian I had NEVER given cauliflower a second thought.   After trying it, I realised it was an amazing and versatile ingredient and have so many recipes I want to share with you. For right now though, I need to share with you just how much I enjoyed these cauliflower steaks. It was so quick, so easy and so beautifully unique. Ready to dive in with me?

I don’t need to say much about these cauliflower steaks. They make a great main dish but also work as a side dish for smaller cauliflower heads. They would have been delicious just roasted, but the za’atar spice mix completely transformed them. Za’atar is a magical Middle Eastern herb mix made of ground sumac, roasted sesame seeds a variety of green herbs. It has a slightly lemon-y taste and tastes amazing in olive oil, on greek yogurt, in hummus…and on basically anything. I got my first taste at a Lebanese lunch restaurant where I became a daily regular. I asked how they made the za’atar mix and to my surprise they gave me a free container’s worth!!!

Needless to say, I’ve been using it ever since, savouring every teaspoon. You can buy it at a speciality store and even an Indian store for Indian za’atar – you won’t regret buying it. Adding this plus searing the cauliflower before roasting is what transforms this recipe. It gives the outside a great texture that enhances everything.

Topped with the chimichurri it adds an EXPLOSION of flavour. I know, I sound uber excited, but I can’t help it. I love transforming a veggie but still keeping it’s integrity!! Does that make me a veggie geek? I think it does. So yeah, I’ll be sitting over here in my veggie geek corner, snacking on cauliflower, putting za’atar on everything. Just give me some Netflix and a blanket and I’m good for the night.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower
  • 1 teaspoon za’atar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. 2. Cut off the greens and the stem from the cauliflower. Hold your Cauliflower upright and cut 1-inch thick “steaks” from your cauliflower. I got about 4. You’ll have a few pieces that may fall off – you should definitely roast those too.
  3. 3. Mix the za’atar, lime juice, olive oil, sesame seeds, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Use a pastry or silicone brush each side lightly. Leave some of the mixture behind to put on it before putting in the oven.
  4. 4. Heat a pan for medium high with the 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the cauliflower steaks, pressing down and searing each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and sear the other side.
  5. 5. Transfer the cauliflower steaks to a silicone sheet or foil on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but still slightly firm.
  6. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with more sesame seeds, a squeeze of lime juice and a second sprinkling of salt and za’atar. Top with chimichurri for an extra boost of flavour.

by

Recipe Notes

  1. 1. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan
  2. 2. HOW TO STORE CAULIFLOWER STEAKS Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight Tupperware container. Reheat by placing in your oven at 350 degrees until heated through. These Cauliflower Steaks do taste best fresh. I wouldn't try freezing these Cauliflower Steaks as it would ruin the texture.

This post was originally published on Jessica In The Kitchen.

cauliflower , cauliflower steaks , jessica in the kitchen , vegan , vegetarian