Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Butter Sauce

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Butter Sauce is a delicious and visually impressive dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner. The dish involves taking a whole head of cauliflower, seasoning it, and then roasting it in the oven until it’s tender and golden brown.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how it’s typically made:

1. Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to around 400°F (200°C). Clean the cauliflower and remove any leaves. You might want to trim the stem slightly so it can stand upright.
2. Seasoning: Brush the cauliflower with olive oil or melted butter and season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (such as garlic powder, paprika, or herbs).
3. Roasting: Place the cauliflower in a baking dish and roast it in the oven for about 30-45 minutes, or until it’s tender and has a nice golden color. You can cover it with foil for the first half of the cooking time to help it cook through, then remove the foil to allow it to brown.
4. Butter Sauce: While the cauliflower is roasting, you can prepare the butter sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan and add flavorings such as minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
5. Serving: Once the cauliflower is cooked, drizzle the butter sauce over it and serve it whole, allowing guests to cut off pieces as they like.

Here’s an easy recipe for Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Butter Sauce:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole cauliflower
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs

For the butter sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme), chopped (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem so it can stand upright.
3. Brush the cauliflower with olive oil or melted butter, and season generously with salt, pepper, and any optional spices you like.
4. Place the cauliflower in a baking dish and roast for about 30-45 minutes, until it’s tender and golden brown. You can cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes to help it cook through.
5. While it’s roasting, melt the butter in a saucepan. If using, add minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like.
6. Once the cauliflower is done, drizzle the butter sauce over it and serve hot.

This dish is great as a side or even as a main vegetarian option, and the butter sauce adds a rich, flavorful touch!