WHOLE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH PISTACHIO PESTO

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



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.

Princess Nareji
[email protected]

This dish was a disappointment. The cauliflower was tough and the pistachio pesto was bland. I followed the recipe exactly, so I'm not sure what went wrong.


Lol Twice
[email protected]

Not a fan of cauliflower, but this recipe changed my mind. The roasting process brought out its natural sweetness and the pistachio pesto added a layer of complexity. Definitely a winner!


Alexander Lewis
[email protected]

This recipe is a winner! The roasted cauliflower was tender and flavorful, and the pistachio pesto was the perfect complement. I served it with a side of roasted potatoes and it was a hit with the whole family.


Jorgi-anne Jackson
[email protected]

Roasted cauliflower with pistachio pesto - a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. The cauliflower was roasted to perfection and the pesto was packed with flavor. I'll definitely be making this again!


Maria Zulu
[email protected]

This dish was a disappointment. The cauliflower was tough and the pistachio pesto was bland. I followed the recipe exactly, so I'm not sure what went wrong.


Ajaz Ahmed
[email protected]

Not a fan of cauliflower, but this recipe changed my mind. The roasting process brought out its natural sweetness and the pistachio pesto added a layer of complexity. Definitely a winner!


Muhammad Alikharal
[email protected]

This recipe is a winner! The roasted cauliflower was tender and flavorful, and the pistachio pesto was the perfect complement. I served it with a side of roasted potatoes and it was a hit with the whole family.


Favour Francisca
[email protected]

Roasted cauliflower with pistachio pesto - a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. The cauliflower was roasted to perfection and the pesto was packed with flavor. I'll definitely be making this again!


Kibriya Ahmed Tanvir
[email protected]

This dish was a disappointment. The cauliflower was tough and the pistachio pesto was bland. I followed the recipe exactly, so I'm not sure what went wrong.


Bonno Booysen
[email protected]

Not a fan of cauliflower, but this recipe changed my mind. The roasting process brought out its natural sweetness and the pistachio pesto added a layer of complexity. Definitely a winner!


Milo Lanoue
[email protected]

This recipe is a keeper! The roasted cauliflower was tender and flavorful, and the pistachio pesto was the perfect complement. I served it with a side of roasted potatoes and it was a hit with the whole family.


Princess Atem
[email protected]

Roasted cauliflower with pistachio pesto - a healthy and delicious dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. The cauliflower was roasted to perfection and the pesto was packed with flavor. Will definitely be making this again!


Tipu Gujjar
[email protected]

The roasted cauliflower turned out great, but I found the pistachio pesto a bit overpowering. Next time I'll try using a different pesto recipe.


Sabrina Williams
[email protected]

This dish was a delightful surprise. I'm not usually a fan of cauliflower, but the roasting process brought out its natural sweetness and the pistachio pesto added a layer of complexity. A definite winner!


GeoSorrelix
[email protected]

Roasted cauliflower with pistachio pesto - a match made in heaven! The pesto was creamy and nutty, and paired perfectly with the roasted cauliflower. Definitely a keeper!


M Asif
[email protected]

Tried this recipe last night and it was a hit! The cauliflower was perfectly roasted and the pistachio pesto was so flavorful. Will definitely be making this again.


Dustin Johnson
[email protected]

This roasted cauliflower with pistachio pesto was a delightful culinary experience. The cauliflower emerged from the oven with a captivating golden-brown crust, while the interior revealed a symphony of tender florets bursting with flavor. The combin