Roasted Cauliflower with Almond Sauce Recipe
A delightful recipe featuring roasted cauliflower served with a creamy, tangy almond sauce, garnished with toasted almonds and fresh mint. This dish combines the nutty flavors of almond with the smoky char of grilled cauliflower, perfect as a flavorful side or a light main.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Almond Sauce
- 1 cup almond meal
- 2/3 cup water
- 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (separated)
- 2 tbsp brown rice vinegar (or rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
Roasted Cauliflower
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon (juice only)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup almonds (roughly chopped and lightly toasted in a dry frypan)
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (packed)
Instructions
- Prepare Almond Sauce: Place the almond meal, water, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the almond meal starts to swell, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender or small food processor and blend until smooth. Add brown rice vinegar and salt, then blend again to mix thoroughly.
- Emulsify the Sauce: With the blender running, add the egg yolks followed by the remaining 3/4 cup of olive oil in a thin stream. Continue blending until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside at room temperature.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into quarters, leaving most of the outer leaves on. Trim a bit of the core to ensure even cooking through thick parts.
- Parboil Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the cauliflower quarters, and return to boiling. Boil for 3 minutes to soften slightly. Alternatively, you may steam the cauliflower if preferred. Drain and let it steam dry for 10 minutes, during which it continues to cook.
- Grill Cauliflower: Preheat the grill or broiler to high, positioning the rack about 20cm (8 inches) from the heat source. Drizzle the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place under the grill and char for 5 minutes, then turn and char the other side for a few minutes until nicely browned.
- Finish Cauliflower: Remove the cauliflower from the grill, drizzle with lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spread approximately 3/4 cup of almond sauce on each plate. Place the grilled cauliflower on top, then sprinkle with toasted almonds and fresh mint leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- The trimming of the cauliflower core allows the thicker parts to cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch to the dish.
- The almond sauce can be kept at room temperature but should be used the same day for freshness.
- This dish can be served as a vegetarian main or an elegant side.
- For a vegan option, substitute the egg yolks in the sauce with aquafaba or a vegan mayonnaise, though texture and taste may vary.
Keywords: roasted cauliflower, almond sauce, vegetarian recipe, grilled cauliflower, healthy side dish, Mediterranean vegetables
