Explore a delightful journey of flavors with this roasted cauliflower and freekeh dish. Perfectly roasted cauliflower florets paired with nutty freekeh, a whole grain with a unique smoky flavor, form the base of this dish. The addition of a tangy tahini sauce, crunchy almonds, and sweet raisins takes the taste to a whole new level. Whether you're looking for a wholesome meal or a hearty side dish, this recipe is a winner.
While cauliflower and olive oil are likely to be staples in your kitchen, freekeh and tahini might not be as familiar. Freekeh is a type of ancient grain that's packed with nutrition and has a smoky, nutty flavor. This grain is usually found in the international or health food section of the supermarket. Tahini, a sesame seed paste, is a key ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking and can usually be found in the international aisle as well. Almonds, raisins, and feta are commonly found in most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh Dish
Cauliflower: A versatile vegetable that takes on a delightful nutty flavor when roasted.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the cauliflower and sautéing the freekeh. It adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
Almonds: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the freekeh.
Freekeh: An ancient grain with a unique smoky flavor and a hearty texture.
Garlic cloves: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor and aroma.
Coriander: It has a citrusy, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Vegetable stock: Used to cook the freekeh, adding a depth of flavor.
Tahini: A sesame seed paste that forms the base of the tangy, creamy sauce.
Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tang to the tahini sauce.
Red pepper flakes: They add a slight heat to the tahini sauce.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
Feta: Optional, but adds a tangy creaminess.
Raisins: Adds a sweet contrast to the other savory elements.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for an extra crunch and sesame flavor.
One reader, Calley Mace says:
This roasted cauliflower and freekeh dish is a game-changer! The cauliflower is perfectly roasted, and the freekeh pilaf is bursting with flavor. The tahini sauce ties everything together beautifully. It's a delightful, healthy meal that's become a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommend trying it!
Key Techniques for Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh Dish
How to roast cauliflower: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in a preheated oven at 425°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
How to make freekeh pilaf: Sauté almonds, then add freekeh, garlic, cumin, coriander, and salt. Pour in vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and season to taste.
How to make tahini sauce: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Gradually whisk in water until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
How to assemble the dish: Start with a bed of cooked freekeh, top with roasted cauliflower, drizzle with tahini sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs, feta, raisins, and sesame seeds.
How To Make Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh
This roasted cauliflower and freekeh recipe is served with a garlicky tahini sauce. It is a rich vegetarian meal inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Roasted Cauliflower:
- 1largehead of cauliflowertightly packed, sliced into bite-sized florets
- 3tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
For Freekeh Pilaf:
- 1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- ¼cupslivered or sliced almonds
- 1¼cupsfreekehcracked
- 2garlic clovespressed or minced
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspcumin
- ¼tspcoriander
- 3cupsvegetable stockand/or water, plus 2 tbsp
For Tahini Sauce:
- ⅓cuptahini
- 3tbspfresh lemon juice
- 2garlic clovespressed or minced
- red pepper flakesgenerous pinch
- ⅓cupwaterscant cup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepperto taste
- fresh parsleyhandful, and/or cilantro leaves, chopped
- fetacrumbled, optional, omit for a vegan dish
- raisinssmall handful
- sprinkling of sesame seeds
Instructions
Cauliflower:
-
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Toss cauliflower florets with enough olive oil to cover them in a light, even layer of oil.
-
Season with salt and pepper and arrange the florets in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet.
-
Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, tossing halfway, until the florets are deeply golden on the edges.
Freekeh:
-
Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
-
Add the almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes or until they’re fragrant and turning golden on the edges.
-
Add the freekeh and sauté for 2 minutes, then add the garlic, cumin, coriander and salt, and sauté for 1 more minute.
-
Add vegetable broth, raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
-
Cover and cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, for 20 to 25 minutes or until freekeh is tender to the bite.
-
Drain off any excess liquid, cover and set aside for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tahini Sauce:
-
In a bowl, stir together the tahini, lemon juice, garlic and red pepper flakes.
-
Whisk in the water until you have a smooth, blended tahini sauce.
-
Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
To Assemble:
-
Start with a bed of cooked freekeh and top with roasted cauliflower.
-
Drizzle tahini sauce generously over the dish and then top with a sprinkling of chopped fresh herbs, crumbled feta (optional), raisins, and sesame seeds.
-
Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Leftovers are best stored as individual components and assembled after reheating the freekeh and cauliflower.
Nutrition
- Calories: 492.51kcal
- Fat: 28.59g
- Saturated Fat: 4.03g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.98g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.21g
- Carbohydrates: 53.49g
- Fiber: 13.40g
- Sugar: 5.01g
- Protein: 14.80g
- Sodium: 1175.89mg
- Calcium: 198.45mg
- Potassium: 1035.87mg
- Iron: 4.85mg
- Vitamin A: 28.38µg
- Vitamin C: 113.72mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh
When roasting cauliflower, it's important to ensure that the florets are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can cause the cauliflower to steam instead of roast, preventing it from achieving that desirable golden-brown color and rich, caramelized flavor. Also, tossing the florets halfway through the cooking process ensures even roasting and prevents any pieces from burning.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and store the cauliflower in an airtight container in the fridge a day in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large, deep skillet to cook the freekeh pilaf and the roasted cauliflower in the oven simultaneously, saving time and reducing clean-up.
Quick tahini: Use store-bought tahini sauce instead of making it from scratch to save time without compromising flavor.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of freekeh pilaf and roasted cauliflower to enjoy leftovers for a quick and convenient meal later in the week.
Efficient multitasking: While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the freekeh pilaf and tahini sauce to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh Recipe
cauliflower - Substitute with broccoli: Broccoli has a similar texture and flavor profile to cauliflower, making it a great substitute for roasting.
freekeh - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile grain that can be used as a substitute for freekeh in pilaf dishes. It has a similar nutty flavor and cooks to a fluffy texture.
Elevate Your Presentation of Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh
Elevate the plating: When presenting the roasted cauliflower and freekeh dish, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use colorful and textured plates to enhance the overall presentation.
Incorporate height and layers: Build the dish with attention to height and layers. Arrange the roasted cauliflower in a visually striking manner, and layer the freekeh pilaf underneath to create a dynamic and engaging presentation.
Utilize garnishes: Incorporate fresh herbs, such as parsley, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds strategically to add a touch of elegance and texture.
Emphasize the tahini sauce: Drizzle the tahini sauce in a swirl or zigzag pattern over the dish to add a touch of artistry and to tie the flavors together.
Consider the dishware: Choose elegant and modern dishware that complements the colors of the dish and enhances the overall presentation.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that every component is thoughtfully arranged to create a visually stunning presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Strive for balance and symmetry in the plating, ensuring that the dish is visually appealing and harmonious from every angle.
Highlight the roasted cauliflower: Place the roasted cauliflower as the focal point of the dish, drawing attention to its golden, caramelized edges and enticing aroma.
Use negative space: Embrace the use of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation that allows the dish to stand out.
Attention to cleanliness: Prioritize cleanliness and precision in the plating process, ensuring that the presentation is flawless and professional.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Dish
- Oven: Preheat to 425 degrees F for roasting the cauliflower.
- Baking sheet: Use a large, rimmed baking sheet to roast the cauliflower.
- Saucepan: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to cook the freekeh pilaf.
- Whisk: Use a whisk to blend the tahini sauce until smooth.
- Fork: Fluff the cooked freekeh with a fork.
- Bowl: Use a bowl to mix the tahini sauce ingredients.
- Knife: Use a knife to cut the cauliflower into florets.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Use these to measure the ingredients for the freekeh pilaf and tahini sauce.
- Cutting board: Use a cutting board for prepping the cauliflower.
- Stove: Use the stove to cook the freekeh pilaf.
- Spatula: Use a spatula to toss the cauliflower while roasting.
- Strainer: Use a strainer to drain off any excess liquid from the freekeh.
Storing and Freezing Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh
To store leftover roasted cauliflower and freekeh pilaf, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before transferring to separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
For the best quality, store the tahini sauce separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good stir before using, as the sauce may thicken and separate over time.
To reheat, place the desired portion of cauliflower and freekeh on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
If you want to freeze the roasted cauliflower and freekeh pilaf, place them in separate freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. Label and date the containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen cauliflower and freekeh, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat in the oven or microwave as described above.
Note: The texture of the roasted cauliflower may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit softer. The flavor, however, should remain delicious.
It is not recommended to freeze the tahini sauce, as it may separate and lose its consistency when thawed.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh
To reheat leftover roasted cauliflower and freekeh dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the roasted cauliflower and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Another option is to reheat the roasted cauliflower and freekeh separately. Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and reheat it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until it's crispy and heated through. Meanwhile, reheat the freekeh in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until it's warm.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the entire dish in the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cauliflower to become mushy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the roasted cauliflower. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the cauliflower in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it's crispy and heated through. Reheat the freekeh separately using one of the methods mentioned above.
For a stovetop method, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Add the leftover roasted cauliflower and freekeh to the skillet and stir occasionally until the dish is heated through. This method can help create a slightly crispy texture on the cauliflower.
Surprising Fact About Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh Dish
The roasted cauliflower and freekeh dish is a nutritious and flavorful meal that combines the earthy taste of roasted cauliflower with the nutty flavor of freekeh. This dish is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying option for a healthy meal. Additionally, the tahini sauce adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish, enhancing its overall taste and texture. It's a great way to incorporate cauliflower and freekeh into your diet, offering a unique and delicious dining experience.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical?
This roasted cauliflower and freekeh dish is a cost-effective option for households. The main ingredients, cauliflower and freekeh, are budget-friendly and nutritious. The dish offers a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The addition of tahini sauce and garnishes may slightly increase the overall cost, but they contribute to the dish's flavor and appeal. Considering the nutritional value and the ability to serve a family of four, this dish rates a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15-$20, making it an affordable and wholesome meal option.
Is This Roasted Cauliflower Dish Healthy?
This roasted cauliflower and freekeh dish is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Here's why:
- Cauliflower is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, which support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Freekeh, a whole grain, is an excellent source of fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and zinc, promoting digestive health and keeping you feeling full longer.
- The tahini sauce provides healthy fats from sesame seeds, which are essential for hormone production and nutrient absorption.
- The dish incorporates a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, cumin, and coriander, which offer both flavor and potential health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties.
To make this dish even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in roasting the cauliflower and preparing the freekeh pilaf to lower the overall calorie content
- Opt for low-sodium vegetable stock to control salt intake
- Increase the portion of cauliflower relative to freekeh to boost the vegetable content and fiber in the meal
- Add more colorful vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the roasting pan for added nutrients and antioxidants
- Use whole grain freekeh instead of regular freekeh for a higher fiber content
- Limit the amount of feta cheese or omit it altogether to reduce the saturated fat content
- Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added vitamins and minerals
Editor's Take: Why We Love Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh
The combination of roasted cauliflower and freekeh, topped with a flavorful tahini sauce, creates a delightful and satisfying dish. The roasted cauliflower brings a nutty and caramelized flavor, while the freekeh pilaf adds a hearty and wholesome element. The tahini sauce provides a creamy and tangy finish, complementing the dish beautifully. The addition of feta, raisins, and sesame seeds adds layers of texture and flavor, making this dish a well-balanced and delicious option for a wholesome meal.
Enhance Your Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy This Dish
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement This Recipe
Why trust this Roasted Cauliflower and Freekeh Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of roasted cauliflower and freekeh pilaf, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of tahini sauce adds a creamy and nutty element, while the addition of fresh herbs and raisins provides a burst of freshness and sweetness. The careful seasoning and cooking techniques ensure a well-balanced and satisfying dish. With the inclusion of wholesome ingredients such as cauliflower and freekeh, this recipe embodies a commitment to nutritious and delicious cooking. Trust in the thoughtful combination of flavors and the expertise behind this recipe for a delightful dining experience.
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