This Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Parmesan is a stunning and delicious side dish. The cauliflower is simmered in a flavorful mixture of white wine and spices, then roasted to perfection with a topping of melted Parmesan cheese. It’s an impressive yet simple dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower
- 8 cups water
- 2 ½ cups white wine
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup salt
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare the Wine Mixture:
- In a large pot over high heat, combine the water, white wine, olive oil, salt, lemon juice, butter, sugar, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- While the pot is coming to a boil, trim the stem and any leaves off the cauliflower head. Remove any brown spots.
- Simmer the Cauliflower:
- Once the wine mixture is boiling, stir and add the whole head of cauliflower with the stem side up.
- Reduce heat to medium-high and simmer for 8 minutes.
- Flip the cauliflower so the stem side is facing down and simmer for an additional 7 minutes.
- Remove the cauliflower from the pot.
- Roast the Cauliflower:
- Place the cauliflower on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake at 475°F for 20 minutes, until the edges of the cauliflower begin to turn brown.
- Sprinkle the cauliflower with the grated Parmesan cheese and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is golden.
- Serve:
- Allow the cauliflower to cool for 5 minutes.
- Cut into wedges and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish with roasted meats or fish.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the cauliflower is well-trimmed to avoid any burnt bits during roasting.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the cauliflower for the last few minutes of baking.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cauliflower is a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
- Olive oil provides healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.
- Parmesan cheese adds calcium and protein to the dish.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful and Impressive: The combination of wine, lemon, and spices infuses the cauliflower with incredible flavor.
- Simple and Elegant: This dish looks impressive but is straightforward to prepare.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for various mains or as a centerpiece for a vegetarian meal.
Conclusion:
This Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Parmesan is an easy yet elegant dish that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Enjoy the rich flavors and beautiful presentation of this delightful recipe.