Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Beet Yogurt and Herb Salsa
A two-stage roast that keeps the cauliflower soft inside and deeply flavored on the outside.
This is a whole roasted cauliflower I make when I want something easy that still feels put together. It cooks covered first so it softens properly, then uncovered so it can take on a bit of colour.
It works on any night when you want one main thing on the table and don’t want to think about it too much. The salsa brings the salt and brightness, the beet yogurt adds something cool underneath, and the cauliflower does everything else.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Beet Yogurt and Herb Salsa
Serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS
1 whole medium-sized cauliflower
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Herb-Caper Salsa
2 tbsp capers, rinsed and chopped
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp mint, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
4–5 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1–2 tbsp cold water
Salt to taste
A small pinch chili flakes
Beet Yogurt Sauce
1/2 cup strained yogurt, room temperature
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small roasted beet (peeled and blended into a smooth puree)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp nigella seeds
METHOD
Heat the oven to 200°C. Trim the cauliflower but keep the core so it holds its shape. Rub it with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Set it on a baking sheet or in a cast-iron pan. Wet a piece of baking paper, squeeze it out, and lay it directly over the cauliflower. Cover with foil and roast for 30 minutes. Check with a knife — it should slide in without resistance. Remove the foil and paper, then roast for another 20–30 minutes until the surface has taken on clear colour.
For the salsa, mix the capers, parsley, mint, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and water. Season to taste and let it rest for 10 minutes.
For the beet yogurt, whisk the yogurt, olive oil, beet purée, vinegar, and salt until smooth.
To serve, spread the beet yogurt on a plate, set the cauliflower on top, and spoon the salsa over it.
