WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH PISTACHIO PESTO

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Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Pistachio Pesto image

Whole roasted cauliflower is a sight to behold and never fails to delight, especially when it's topped with a verdant blend of herbs and pistachios. This version delivers a browned cauliflower that ends up soft enough - custardy almost - to serve with a spoon. And it all comes together in one pan, with water added right to the skillet to steam and soften the cauliflower while it roasts over caramelized onions. Sprinkling some Parmesan on top is a nice way to finish this dish.

Provided by Susan Spungen

Categories     dinner, vegetables, main course, side dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 head cauliflower, preferably orange (about 1 1/2 pounds)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small yellow onions, sliced 1/4 inch thick lengthwise
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup lightly packed cilantro and flat-leaf parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup raw shelled pistachios
1 garlic clove, sliced
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of black pepper

Steps:

  • Make the cauliflower: Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat oven to 400 degrees. Trim the cauliflower, making sure the stem is cut flush with the head so it sits flat. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron or other heavy ovenproof skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, the onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until translucent and turning golden on the edges, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup water and remove from the heat.
  • Rub the cauliflower with the remaining tablespoon oil then with the pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Clear the center of the skillet and place the cauliflower in it. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place in the center of the oven. Bake until a paring knife meets no resistance when inserted into the cauliflower, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the pesto: Reserve a bit of lemon zest for garnish. Place the rest in a food processor, along with the herbs, oil, pistachios, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined.
  • Turn oven to 450 degrees on the regular setting or, if you have a convection option, 425 degrees. Uncover the cauliflower and baste with some of the pan juices. Cook, basting occasionally and adding 1/4 cup of water to the pan if it threatens to dry out, until nicely browned, 20 to 30 minutes more. Spoon the pesto over top, sprinkle with reserved lemon zest and more herbs, and serve.

Umm e safoorah Umm e safoorah
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This recipe was a bit more work than I expected, but it was worth it. The roasted cauliflower was amazing and the pesto was delicious. I would definitely make this again for a special occasion.


Alson Alston
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I'm not usually a fan of cauliflower, but this recipe changed my mind. The roasted cauliflower was delicious and the pesto was a perfect match. I will definitely be making this again.


Md SaIikin
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This was an easy and delicious recipe. The roasted cauliflower was tender and flavorful, and the pesto was a great complement. I will definitely be making this again.


Shean Greenwood
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Loved this recipe! The roasted cauliflower was so tender and flavorful. The pesto was also very good. I will definitely be making this again.


Aisha Jata
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This was a great recipe. The cauliflower was roasted perfectly and the pesto was delicious. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Khalid Munir
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I loved this recipe! The roasted cauliflower was tender and flavorful, and the pesto was the perfect complement. I will definitely be making this again.


Lakshman Yadav
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious. The cauliflower was roasted to perfection and the pesto was flavorful and creamy. I will definitely be making this again.


qadir albaloshi
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Great recipe! The roasted cauliflower was tender and flavorful, and the pistachio pesto was a perfect complement. Will definitely be making this again.


Isaiah Luna
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This was a delicious and easy recipe. The cauliflower was roasted evenly and the pesto was flavorful. I would definitely make this again.


Kingsley Okeke
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I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this dish. The cauliflower was roasted to perfection and the pesto was a great complement. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Nina Bati
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This roasted cauliflower with pistachio pesto was a hit! The cauliflower was perfectly roasted and the pesto was flavorful and creamy. I will definitely be making this again.