From the brassica family, just like broccoli and cabbage, cauliflower has a firm texture and a delicate flavour. They can be found at its best from mid-December to mid-April. When choosing a Cauliflower we should be attentive to its colour, discoloration can be a sign of lack of freshness. The whiter the heads the better, and the leaves should look bright green and crispy. If stored in the fridge or in a cold dark place it can last for several days.
This recipe from Jamie Oliver makes a great vegan and gluten free alternative of a classic roast dish. Just remember that cauliflower, like any other brassica, if cooked for too long can have a very unpleasant smell so cooking briefly and carefully is essential.
Serves 4 – 6 people
Cooking 1h15 min
Ingredients
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ a small bunch of fresh thyme
- olive oil
- sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 large cauliflower, (1kg) with outer leaves left on
- 4 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 x 400 g tin of plum tomatoes
- 40 g flaked almonds
- ½ a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley
- extra virgin olive oil
Preparation Method
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4.
- Peel the garlic, then add to a pestle and mortar with the paprika and half the thyme leaves. Bash well to a rough paste, then muddle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season. Zest the lemon into a separate bowl and set aside.
- Trim the outer cauliflower leaves. Trim away and discard the stalk so the cauliflower can sit flat, then cut a cross into the base. Rub all over with the paprika paste, then place in a medium casserole pan. Drizzle over the sherry and squeeze the lemon juice on top. Cover and pop in the hot oven for around 1 hour 20 minutes, or until tender, removing the lid for the final 20 minutes.
- Take the pan out of the oven, then pour in the plum tomatoes, tearing or slicing them up into chunks. Sprinkle over the lemon zest and pick over the remaining thyme leaves. Return the pan to the oven for a further 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden.
- Meanwhile, place a medium frying pan over a medium-low heat. Add the almonds and toast gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden, then leave to cool. Once ready, take the pan out of the oven. Scrunch over the toasted almonds, then pick, roughly chop and scatter the parsley leaves on top. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, then carve up and serve with pilaff rice and steamed greens, or as part of a big spread.