Sicilian-Style Cauliflower Casserole
Cauliflower can be a perfect replacement for starchy foods.
Roasting the cauliflower al forno makes it sweeter and juicier, and gives it a mildly nutty flavor. Garlic, briny capers, kalamata olives, a generous helping of fresh sage, and tangy lemon zest add the quintessential essence of Mediterranean cuisine. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a welcome touch of heat, but you can leave them out, or, if you like things spicy, go ahead and add a little more. All of the ingredients are placed in a casserole dish and topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs before going into the oven. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and speckled golden brown. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with chopped fresh parsley, which adds color and balances the richness of the cheese.
This cauliflower casserole is hearty enough to be the centerpiece of a vegetarian dinner (Meatless Monday, anyone?). For more protein, pop it in the oven with these baked chicken breasts, and everything will finish cooking at the same time.
For a different take on this recipe, slice the cauliflower like bread into four ½-inch thick steaks. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet coated with nonstick cooking spray, and drizzle them with 2 tsp. olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each piece over and top evenly with the rest of the ingredients. Bake for 15–20 minutes more. The result is a dramatic – and satisfying – knife-and-fork meal.
Ingredients:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1 medium cauliflower, chopped (about 1½ pounds)
- Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
- 1 tbsp. capers, chopped
- 10 kalamata olives, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 tbsp. chopped fresh sage
- ½ tsp. finely chopped lemon peel (lemon zest)
- ¼ cup whole wheat bread crumbs
- 2 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley (for garnish; optional)
Instructions
Here are your instructions:
Heat oven to 350° F.
Lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with spray. Set aside.
Add cauliflower; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes, or until cauliflower begins to soften.
Add cauliflower; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes, or until cauliflower begins to soften.
Add capers, olives, garlic, crushed red pepper (if desired), sage, and lemon peel; mix well.
Place cauliflower mixture in baking dish. Top with bread crumbs, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bread crumbs are golden brown.
Garnish with parsley if desired; serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
