Ingredients:
- 1 whole head of cauliflower, leaves removed and base trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Exotic Bazaar's Ras El Hanout spice blend
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving
Method:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Find a glass baking dish with a lid large enough to fit the whole cauliflower. -
Prepare the Cauliflower:
Wash the cauliflower and trim any remaining leaves, but keep the core intact so the head stays whole. Pat the cauliflower dry. -
Season the Cauliflower:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Ras El Hanout, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the cauliflower, making sure to coat it evenly. -
Steam Roast the Cauliflower:
Place the seasoned cauliflower into the glass dish. Add about ½ cup of water to the bottom of the dish—this will help steam the cauliflower. Cover the dish with its lid or foil if a lid isn’t available. -
Roast:
Place the dish in the oven and roast for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the cauliflower. Check the cauliflower halfway through cooking. If the water has evaporated, add a bit more to maintain the steam. -
Finish the Dish:
Once the cauliflower is tender and easily pierced with a fork, remove the lid or foil and roast uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to develop a golden-brown exterior. -
Serve:
Carefully remove the cauliflower from the dish and place it on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
Why Steam Roasting?
Steam roasting allows the cauliflower to become tender and moist while still achieving a delicious, caramelised exterior. The added moisture from the steam ensures the spices are absorbed deeply, enhancing the natural flavour of the cauliflower without drying it out. Combined with Exotic Bazaar's Ras El Hanout, this method creates a beautifully balanced dish that’s both soft and flavourful.
Tips:
- To add a bit more flair, drizzle the finished cauliflower with a tahini-lemon sauce or a yoghurt-based dressing before serving.
- For extra crispiness, you can pop the cauliflower under the grill for 3-5 minutes after the roasting step, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.