Oven Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Oven-roasted whole cauliflower has become super popular all over social media! I was so excited to try this method of cooking cauliflower since it is one of my favorite vegetables. I cook cauliflower at least once a week, primarily roasted in the oven. My roasted cauliflower with tomatoes and pine nuts recipe is one of my favorites! Cauliflower is just so delicious. 

This simple, healthy, low-carb, and Keto friendly dish is perfect for any diet. It is also soft, light, and full of flavor, making it a statement on the dinner table. It can also be served as a side dish next to some grains like quinoa or farro. You can quickly whip up this cauliflower meal in just 10 minutes. Once the cauliflower has been prepared, let the oven do all the work! 

What Are Nigella Seeds? 

Nigella seeds, which are also known as black cumin, are flavorful seeds that are typically used in Indian, North African, and Middle Eastern dishes. These seeds have a strong flavor that tastes like a combination of onion, black pepper, and oregano. Many cultures like to add nigella seeds to curries, salads, bread, and vegetables as a seasoning. They also provide a unique texture to these dishes. When adding nigella seeds to roasted cauliflower, you will taste the herbal smell of the nigella. You can find nigella in specialty grocery stores such as Middle Eastern and Indian grocery stores. They are also commonly found in Whole Foods and Bristol Farms. 

Substitutes for Nigella

If you have difficulty finding nigella, you can substitute them for other seasonings. For instance, you can use celery seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, or cumin seeds. Adding seeds to the cauliflower will create a depth of flavor that will make the dish irresistible. 

How Long To Cook Cauliflower?

The cooking time for a whole cauliflower varies depending on the size of the cauliflower head. I used a small head of cauliflower, and it took about 35 minutes at 375 F. Cauliflower should generally only take between 35 to 45 minutes to cook. The best way to check if your cauliflower is ready is to poke a knife through it and see if it is tender.  

What Sauce Should You Serve With Oven Roasted Whole Cauliflower?

When making oven-roasted whole cauliflower, I like to serve it with a tahini feta cheese sauce. In this sauce, I add all the ingredients and season it with sumac and nigella seeds. Then, I drizzle the sauce over the top of the cauliflower and enjoy all the divine flavors. You can also experiment with the dish and create your own sauce. Many people like making garlic parmesan sauce to go with cauliflower. 

How to Prepare the Cauliflower?

• Break the outer leaves off from the cauliflower. Using a small knife, cut the leaves close to the stem, then carefully cut out the hard core of the cauliflower near the bottom. Leave the stem intact and try not to cut through any of the florets 
• Soak the cauliflower in a bowl of water to get rid of any dirt. Then make sure to give it a good rinse. 
• I like to keep some of the hard outer leaves and place them under the cauliflower. This helps to prop up the cauliflower head, allowing more hot air to come from underneath. You can skip this if you have a conventional oven. 
• During the cooking, baste the cauliflower twice with olive oil. After it is tender and finished cooking, turn on the broiler just to brown the surface if needed. 

What to Serve With Whole Roasted Cauliflower?

Whole roasted cauliflower can be served with some protein such as steak, chicken, lamb, or pork. Roasted cauliflower is also a very filling meal, and it can be eaten on its own with some rice, couscous, quinoa, or with other vegetables such as grilled zucchini or salads. You can’t go wrong no matter how you serve this tasty dish!