MOROCCAN-SPICED CAULIFLOWER STEAKS

  • Ali

On a recent trip to London to meet up with my University friends we had lunch in Fortnun and Mason, one of the most famous London Stores, and I was so impressed with their cauliflower steaks that I’ve created my own version in homage to them. Enjoy. 

Ingredients

1 head of Cauliflower, medium to large

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

½ Tablespoon of Lemon Juice

1 teaspoon Ground Coriander

1 teaspoon Ground Cumin

½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

½ teaspoon Paprika

¼ teaspoon Turmeric

½ teaspoon Salt

¼ teaspoon Pepper

Hummus – homemade (see my blog)  or shop brought for convenience. 

Pomegranate seeds, parsley to garnish 

I tend to make up a batch of spices mixing all the dry ingredients and setting them aside in an airtight jar. I then take 3 ½ tea spoons out to and mix with oil and lemon juice when I need it.

 

Directions

1.    Preheat oven to 180 degree C

2.    Remove the leaves on the head of the cauliflower and trim the stem leaving the core intact. (see below for instructions for cutting cauliflower steaks if it’s your first time). 

3.    Cut the cauliflower into 1 – 1.5cm "steaks"

4.    Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and all of the spices in a bowl

5.    I like to season both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the spice mixture. Place cauliflower "steaks" on to a chopping board and Brush the olive oil, lemon juice, and spice mixture onto the side facing you. Now place them, seasoned side down, onto a baking sheet

6.    Season the top of the "steaks" in the same way. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.

7.    Roast in the oven for about 15 - 20 minutes or until tender

8.    While they are roasting prepare your plates. Add 1 – 2 tablespoons of hummus to your plate and spread to a thick layer. 

9.    Once booked take out of the oven, place on top of the hummus on the prepared plate, drizzle with olive oil or dressing of your choice. These go particularly well with a tahini dressing. This Tahini Lemon dressing or the Creamy Hemp dressing goes particularly well with them.

10.Garnish with parsley and pomegranate seeds.

How To Slice Cauliflower Steaks For Oven-Roasting

An impressive presentation is easy to create. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose a good firm cauliflower.
  2. Remove the outer leaves and trim the stem end.
  3. Hold cauliflower on a cutting board with its base facing you.
  4. Depending on size of cauliflower and how thick the base is either cut into 3 or 3 perfect steaks. To cut into 2 steaks - with a sharp knife, make one cut through the centre of the cauliflower to divide it in half. Now cut each half into a 1.5cm thick slice. 
  5. To cut into 3 steaks - with a sharp knife, cut the base into 3 so you have a centre section and two steaks made from the outer sections.
  6. The smaller florets can also be used just cut them into 1.5cm thick slices
  7. Save the ends to eat as a snack, make cauliflower rice or serve with salad.