The first day of spring has come and gone, and here I am writing about a winter vegetable. After moving from Chicago to Southern California last summer, I expected a mild winter and an early, warm spring. The season has been milder than the Midwest, but still has had its chilly moments — even a stretch of 40-degree temperatures with rain and snow. I won’t complain too much; many friends were facing heavy snow just days earlier.
I’m embracing the cool weather by continuing to enjoy the winter produce I love until consistent warmer temperatures arrive. Cauliflower season often stretches into April, so this post still feels timely. It’s also a perfect chance to share one of my favorite, simple ways to prepare a vegetable that often gets a bad rap.
There are many ways to vary this recipe — a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a pinch of smoked paprika, or your favorite herbs all work great — but I usually keep it minimal. A little olive oil, salt, and pepper lets the natural sweetness of roasted cauliflower shine. Even plain, these bite-sized florets are surprisingly appealing.
If you want a visual guide for breaking down a head of cauliflower, see my earlier post on how to cut a cauliflower.
Roasted Cauliflower
Printable Recipe
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil until they are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have room so they can brown rather than steam. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown, tossing once halfway through the cooking time.
Note: If you’re unsure about the exact roasting time, opt for the longer end. Slightly over-roasted florets remain tasty and develop more caramelized flavor; under-roasted florets can be too crunchy and lack that roasted sweetness.
Source: Pennies on a Platter Original