Cauliflower

After a hectic intercontinental move, I am finally beginning to settle into my new flat in London. I lived on take out for the first week so couldn't wait to start cooking! I went a bit overboard and bought a massive cauliflower from my local grocers. I find one whole cauliflower is often too much for me to use in one dish. So I decided to make a base recipe with the cauliflower and use it in different ways! The base can be made ahead of time and the other ingredients tossed in if you want dinner in a hurry!

Ingredients 

1 head of cauliflower 

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste or grated garlic

zest of 1 lemon

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 teaspoon salt

Process

1. Pre- heat oven to 200 C. 

2. Slice the cauliflower into small chunks and lay out flat on a baking tray. 

3. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic, salt, lemon zest and lemon juice.

4. Roast for 45 minutes.

This is your basic recipe and it stays well in the fridge for a three to four days. The basic recipe on its own is delicious but if you want to spice it up, here are some ideas.

1. Pan sautée peas with a couple of tinned anchovies (optional), cajun spice and add the cauliflower. This makes a great side dish with fish or chicken or any roast!

2. Fry some bacon bits and toss with the cauliflower. Yumm!

3. I use about a quarter of the roasted cauliflower head for this recipe. Heat oil in a pan and add some bay leaves, mustard and cumin seeds. When they start to pop, add 1 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon garlic and a whole dried red chilli. Once these start getting some colour, add 1 teaspoon of tomato paste and a tablespoon of water. Mix throughly, add 1/2 teaspoon of tumeric and the cauliflower. Taste to check the seasoning and add salt if needed. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves and unsweetened grated coconut. 

4. Fry some sliced red onions until softened. Toss with the cauliflower. In a bowl, mix 1/2 teaspoon tahini, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon sugar and 1/4 salt. Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning as needed. Drizzle over the cauliflower.

Do you have any suggestions as to how to use cauliflower? Leave your thoughts in the comments box!!