Feb

19

2010

Golden Roasted Cauliflower with Pecorino Romano Cheese

Vegetables & Sides  Posted by / 13 comments

Cauliflower

Poor cauliflower…such an under-appreciated vegetable. Everyone passes over it at the grocery store, not quite sure what to do with it; it’s more colorful neighbor, broccoli, gets all the attention. I admit, I’m guilty too, though not at all because I don’t like it…I do! It’s the kids…whenever I make it, they walk around the house holding their noses. Subtle, right?

Cauliflower 2

But recently my friend, Beth, told me she got her kids to eat cauliflower by simply roasting it. I figured it was worth a shot.

Cauliflower 5

All you do is toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt and pepper, then roast them in a very hot oven until caramelized and tender-crisp.

Cauliflower 8

Finish with freshly grated Pecorino-Romano cheese. It’s simple, healthy, and so so good.

Cauliflower 6

And guess what? You know that little boy who was holding his nose?

Zach cauliflower b

Yep, he liked it.

Zach cauliflower c

One out of two’s not bad :)

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Golden Roasted Cauliflower with Pecorino Romano Cheese

Printable Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 ½ pounds), cut into florets about 1½” wide*
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
A few sprigs fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Set rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, combine cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly.

3. Roast cauliflower florets on baking sheet, stirring a few times to promote even browning, until tender and golden brown, about 20-30 minutes. (Keep an eye on it; you want the florets to develop deep golden spots. If it looks like they’re getting too dark, turn oven down to 425 degrees.) Sprinkle with grated cheese, then taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with parsley. Serve hot or room temperature.

*Dry cauliflower florets with a kitchen towel after washing…too much moisture will prevent them from browning.