Description

A beautifully roasted whole cauliflower with a golden, crispy exterior and tender center, finished with a creamy lemon-garlic tahini sauce, fresh herbs, and crunchy pistachios.

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds

1 teaspoon sea salt, divided

1/3 cup tahini

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 garlic clove, grated

2 tablespoons olive oil

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup ice cold water

1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Flaky salt for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse the cauliflower and trim the base so it sits flat, keeping the core intact. Remove any tough outer leaves.
Bring a large pot with a few inches of water to a boil. Place the cauliflower head-side up, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes.
Remove the cauliflower and let it drain and cool for about 15 minutes until dry.
Place the cauliflower on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and rub to coat. Sprinkle with turmeric, cumin seeds, and half of the salt.
Roast for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown, slightly charred, and fork-tender.
While roasting, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Gradually add ice cold water while whisking until smooth and pourable.
Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a serving platter. Drizzle with tahini sauce and top with pistachios, mint, parsley, and flaky salt before serving.

Notes

Substitute pistachios with almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.

Use cilantro instead of parsley for a different herbal flavor.

Add smoked paprika, coriander, or chili flakes for extra depth or heat.

Serve over hummus, grains, or greens to make it a more filling meal.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; keep sauce separate if possible.

Reheat in the oven at 375°F to maintain texture.

Thin leftover tahini sauce with water or lemon juice if it thickens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg