Description
Sicilian Roasted Cauliflower is a flavorful and vibrant side dish featuring tender roasted cauliflower florets tossed with a zesty blend of capers, raisins, toasted pine nuts, fresh parsley, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory elements inspired by Sicilian cuisine makes this an elegant yet simple dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 head Cauliflower
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Dry Ingredients & Nuts
- 1/4 cup Raisins
- 2 tablespoon Capers
- 2 tablespoon Pine Nuts
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Oils & Vinegars
- 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Champagne Vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius) to prepare for roasting the cauliflower.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Trim the leaves from the cauliflower, remove the core, and cut it into medium-sized florets, ensuring even roasting.
- Toss Cauliflower: On a sheet pan, coat the cauliflower florets with extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, mixing well to ensure even seasoning.
- Roast Cauliflower: Roast the seasoned cauliflower in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the florets are tender and nicely browned.
- Mix Capers and Raisins: While the cauliflower roasts, combine the capers, raisins, and champagne vinegar in a small bowl; set this tangy mixture aside to blend flavors.
- Toast Pine Nuts: In a small sauté pan, toast the pine nuts over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
- Combine and Serve: When the cauliflower is done roasting, return it to the sheet pan and toss it with the caper-raisin mixture, toasted pine nuts, chopped fresh parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired, then transfer to a serving dish and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute champagne vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice if unavailable.
- For a nuttier flavor, try using toasted almonds instead of pine nuts.
- To make the dish vegan-friendly and gluten-free, all ingredients are naturally compliant.
- Roast the cauliflower until it develops a nice caramelized color for the best flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Sicilian
Keywords: Sicilian roasted cauliflower, roasted cauliflower with raisins and capers, pine nuts cauliflower recipe, healthy roasted vegetable side dish
