Oven Roasted Cauliflower

Willow in NYC prides itself on timeless, flavorful vegan dishes anyone can enjoy. Of every dish on our menu, doubtlessly one of the most charming in its simplicity, is our oven roasted cauliflower with lemon and tahini.

Light in calories and high in nutrition, this dish has something for every diner in your party. Best of all, the recipe is deceptively simple. When you’ve made this dish once, it’s bound to become a regular alongside your usual vegan proteins.  At Willow in NYC every dish is homey and familiar, then elevated with unique flavors and upscale presentation. We’re taking relatable American food and turning it on its head—then making it vegan! 

Tips for Making Willow’s Oven Roasted Cauliflower

Even with a recipe as simple as this, foundational kitchen skills are key. Before tackling this new recipe, read a few of these tips below to ensure that you’ve got the knowledge to properly undertake this vegan favorite!

Select the Right Head of Cauliflower

Remember: your meal is only ever as good as the quality of your ingredients! If you want a truly memorable oven roasted cauliflower, you’ll need to start with fresh veggies.

When picking your cauliflower, look for thick, tightly-bunched florets. You can select cauliflower of any color for this recipe, but we recommend sticking with the classic white cauliflower. Look for one with a smooth, creamy-white surface free of blemishes. 

As you search through the produce aisle, keep your eyes peeled for any black dots present on the surface of the florets; these are a sign that your cauliflower is no longer at its peak freshness. You can also feel the bottom of the cauliflower. If the bottom of the head is soft, the cauliflower may no longer be good. 

Lastly, look at the leaves. A fresh head of cauliflower should be framed with bright, plump green leaves. Any sign of wilting is a sign to look elsewhere! Once you’ve selected the right veggie, you’re ready to start your oven roasted cauliflower.

Boil Carefully

Cauliflower is a crowd favorite for good reason. With beautiful white florets and a mild flavor that easily pairs with any main dish, this vegetable has only grown in popularity. However, if overcooked, this veggie quickly takes on a bitter smell and mushy quality that will send your dinner guests turning to other side dishes.

By boiling the cauliflower prior to roasting, you prevent overcooking and speed up the roasting process. 

Make sure when boiling to select the largest pot available, and fully submerge the cauliflower head. That way, you can ensure that you’re cooking your food evenly. Be sure to boil carefully in heavily salted water, regularly checking the cauliflower throughout the boiling process. If it appears to soften or if florets separate from the head, remove the cauliflower immediately!

Willow NYC Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Ingredients

Before starting this recipe, remove the leaves from the bottom of the cauliflower, leaving the rest of the head intact. Preheat your oven to a broil.

Instructions

1. In a large pot, boil 6 quarts of salted water. There should be enough water in your pot to fully submerge the cauliflower. 
2. Place the whole head of cauliflower in boiling water for 8-12 min until tender but not too soft. 
3. Remove and place on a sheet pan flower side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle coarse salt, then place in the preheated oven for 10-15 min or until dark brown. If the surface of your cauliflower chars a little, it’s fine! 
4. Once out of the oven, drizzle with raw tahini and squeeze half a lemon on top. 
5. Serve with chopped parsley and a final drizzle of olive oil.  

Nutritional Information 

Even if this dish weren’t so simple and tasty, you might consider adding it to your regular routine purely due to the nutritional benefits.

It’s no secret that cauliflower is good for you. At only twenty-five calories per serving, this veggie has become one of the most popular “diet foods” of recent years. What many people don’t know, however, is that cauliflower is also filled with nutrients perfect for keeping your body healthy and helping you fight off disease!

A single cup of cauliflower contains 100 percent of your recommended vitamin C intake, along with a quarter of your vitamin K. Not only that, it’s rich in a group of substances called glucosinolates. A regular diet of glucosinolate-rich foods is associated with lower risk of disease, infections, and even some cancers.

Olive oil, tahini, and lemon juice—all a popular component of the Mediterranean diet—come together to make this a heart-healthy dish low in calories and high in everything good for you!

Whether you’re looking to join us at our restaurant on 8th Avenue in NYC or want to take advantage of our online ordering options; you can skip the cooking time and experience true vegan excellence.