Roasted Cauliflower with Pomegranate and Tahini
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring a whole roasted cauliflower drizzled with a creamy tahini sauce and garnished with jewel-like pomegranate seeds. This dish is a popular modern Israeli classic, often found in restaurants and home kitchens alike, showcasing the region's affinity for fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large head Cauliflower(trimmed of green leaves, bottom sliced flat to stand upright)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1.25 tsp Salt(divided)
- 1 to taste Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Tahini
- 3 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Pomegranate molasses
- 1 clove Garlic(minced)
- 0.25 cup Water(or more, as needed for sauce consistency)
- 0.33 cup Pomegranate seeds(for garnish)
- 1 cup Fresh dill(chopped, for garnish)
- 1 cup Fresh flat-leaf parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Roasted and skinned hazelnuts(roughly chopped, for garnish (optional))
- 0.25 cup Unsulfured green raisins(soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and drained (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
💡 Tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated for optimal roasting. - 2
Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the green leaves and slice the bottom flat so it can stand upright. If the cauliflower is very large, you can cut it into thick steaks.
💡 Tip: A flat base ensures even cooking and presentation. - 3
In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp olive oil, paprika, 3/4 tsp salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture all over the outside of the cauliflower, ensuring it's well-coated.
- 4
Place the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the outer leaves are browned and tender when pierced with a fork. If cutting into steaks, roast for about 20-25 minutes per side.
💡 Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking. - 5
While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the tahini sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, minced garlic, remaining 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup water. Add more water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be smooth and easily drizzled. - 6
Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the tahini sauce.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately while warm. - 7
Garnish with pomegranate seeds, chopped dill, parsley, and optional hazelnuts and raisins.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can par-boil the cauliflower for 5-10 minutes before roasting.
- ✓Adjust the amount of pomegranate molasses to your preference for sweetness and tang.
- ✓Feel free to add other spices like cumin or coriander to the rub for extra flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Cut the cauliflower into florets before roasting for quicker cooking and easier serving.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tahini sauce for a hint of spice.
- Serve with a side of pita bread or a simple green salad.