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whole roasted cauliflower with tahini

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini: A Mediterranean Masterpiece

Whole roasted cauliflower drizzled with creamy tahini sauce is a simple yet impressive dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Perfect as a plant-based main course or an eye-catching side, it’s nutritious, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cauliflower:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt

For the Tahini Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3–4 tbsp water (for thinning)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Chopped parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove green leaves from the cauliflower and trim the stem flat. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.

  2. Season the Cauliflower: Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Brush the seasoning mixture generously over the cauliflower, covering all sides.

  3. Roast the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet. Roast for 45–55 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Check doneness by inserting a knife—it should slide in easily.

  4. Prepare the Tahini Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Gradually add water until the desired consistency is reached. Adjust with more lemon juice or salt if needed.

  5. Serve and Garnish: Drizzle the tahini sauce over the roasted cauliflower. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve warm.

Notes

  • To avoid soggy cauliflower, ensure it is fully dried before seasoning.
  • Use foil to tent the cauliflower if it browns too quickly.
  • Leftovers? Store cauliflower and tahini sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
  • Author: Emily Marano
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch

Nutrition

  • Calories: 180
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g

Keywords: Whole Roasted Cauliflower, Tahini Sauce, Mediterranean Recipe, Plant-Based, Vegan Main Dish, Healthy Dinner Idea