Whole Roasted Cauliflower | With Spiced Butter & Green Tahini Sauce

Whole Roasted Cauliflower | With Spiced Butter & Green Tahini Sauce

Looking for a vegetable dish that’s bold, aromatic, and restaurant-worthy? This whole roasted cauliflower is basted with smoky spiced butter, baked until tender, and served over a creamy green tahini sauce with arugula, herbs, and Parmesan. Finished with a drizzle of toasted nuts, cranberries, and fresh mint — it’s a true centerpiece for any dinner.

Ingredients:
* 1 large cauliflower (with leaves preferably) – can substitute with cauliflower florets
* 50 g butter + 2 Tbsp avocado oil
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 1 tsp ground cumin
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp turmeric
* 1 tsp Herbes de Provence
* Salt & black pepper

For the Green Tahini Sauce:
* Blanched cauliflower leaves + 1 handful arugula
* ½ cup fresh parsley (plus a few mint leaves)
* 2 Tbsp toasted nuts (pine nuts, pistachios, almonds, or cashews)
* 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan
* 2 Tbsp tahini
* 2 Tbsp Greek yogurt
* 2 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
* Juice of ½ lemon
* Water, to loosen
* Salt & pepper

For Garnish:
* Handful toasted pine nuts or other nuts, chopped
* Fresh mint leaves
* Drizzle of butter with spices (or balsamic glaze or pomegranate molasses)
* Optional: a sprinkle of dried cranberries or currants for tartness

Instructions:
* Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
* Trim the cauliflower stem and parboil in salted water for 3–5 minutes. Drain and let steam-dry 10–15 minutes. Pat dry.
* In a pan, melt butter with avocado oil until foaming. Stir in paprika, cumin, garlic, turmeric, Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper.
* Brush cauliflower all over with spiced butter, place on a baking tray, and roast for 20 minutes. Remove, baste again, and roast another 20 minutes until golden and tender.
* Meanwhile, blanch cauliflower leaves or cauliflower florets. Drain.
* Blend leaves, arugula, parsley, mint, Parmesan, nuts, tahini, yogurt, oil, lemon juice, and a splash of water until smooth. Season to taste.
* To serve: spread green tahini sauce on a platter, set roasted cauliflower in the middle, drizzle with more spiced butter or balsamic glaze, then scatter with toasted nuts, mint, and (optional) dried fruit.

This dish balances smoky spices, herb-fresh creaminess, and a sweet-tart finish — a gourmet showpiece that turns cauliflower into the star of the table.

Keywords: roasted cauliflower, whole roasted cauliflower, gourmet vegetarian, green tahini sauce, cauliflower recipe, holiday centerpiece
#RoastedCauliflower #VegetarianRecipes #GourmetCooking #TahiniSauce #DinnerParty