One of the prettiest cousins of the cole family, which includes Brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale, is cauliflower.
In many ways, cauliflower is enjoying the popularity that kale had a few years back. It’s considered a healthy food, with its high dosage of vitamins, and is a great, filling alternative for those avoiding carbs.
One of my favorite ways to prepare this vegetable is to bake an easy and attractive cauliflower steak.
Buy any sized head of cauliflower, remove the hard leaves and stem and slice it thickly across the core.
Coat each slice with oil and sprinkle with your favorite combination of dry herbs and seasonings, then bake.
Some may like this vegetable steak crunchy, which takes about 15 minutes, or roast it closer to 20 minutes if you want it tender.
The cauliflower steak will brown up nicely in spots and look appetizing presented on a solid-color platter.
CAULIFLOWER STEAKS
By Lynette Lo Tom
- 1 head cauliflower (1-1/2 to 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs such as thyme, parsley, Herbs de Provence (see note)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili pepper flakes (optional)
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking pan with foil.
Trim cauliflower, discarding stem and hard leaves. Cut horizontally into three-quarter-inch slices. Brush both sides of each slice with oil; place on baking pan. Sprinkle with herbs, salt, pepper and chili pepper, if using.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes, to preferred texture.
Flip over to serve, to show the browned bottom. Serve hot, at room temperature or cold. Serves 2 as a main dish, 4 as a side.
>> Note: Good ready-made salt-free seasoning mixes include Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute or Spike Gourmet Natural Seasoning.
Approximate nutritional information, per serving (based on 2 servings): 200 calories, 15 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, no cholesterol, 700 mg sodium, 17 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 6 g protein.
”Easy Kine” features simple dishes that start with commercially prepared ingredients. Lynette Lo Tom is excited to hear your tried-and-true suggestions. Contact her at 275-3004, email lynette@brightlightcookery.com or via instagram at @brightlightcookery.
