Double cauliflower power in one delicious dish. The cruciferous star takes center stage in this creative side: It’s the focus of the creamy puree and then again in the perfectly browned and caramelized florets on top.

The dish is easy to make yet it’s also fancy enough to serve for guests as a complement to a poultry, fish or vegan entrée. I suggest making the top and bottom layers simultaneously to streamline your prep. In other words, while you’re boiling the cauli for the pureed bottom layer, go ahead and roast your (top layer) florets in the oven at the same time.

Try my Addictive Charred Broccoli.

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Cauliflower Puree with Roasted Florets

The cruciferous star takes center stage in this creative side: It’s the focus of the creamy puree and then again in the perfectly browned and caramelized florets on top.
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Ingredients
 

Puree

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 to 4 fresh thyme sprigs
  • Pinch ground nutmeg

Roast cauliflower

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ head cauliflower, divided into small florets
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place cauliflower in a large saucepan. Cover with water, add the remaining puree ingredients to the pan and cook until very soft, about 30 minutes. Remove 1 cup of liquid and set aside (you can use this later to thin out your cauliflower puree if it seems too thick).
  • Drain the cauliflower in a colander, and remove the bay leaves, peppercorns and thyme sprigs. Place the cauliflower in a blender and puree until smooth. Add a little of the reserved water if it’s too thick. Season with salt, pepper and a little more ground nutmeg to taste. Keep warm.

FOR THE ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

  • Mist a large baking sheet with oil spray. Add the florets, liberally mist the tops with olive oil spray and sprinkle on salt, pepper and garlic powder. Roast in the oven set at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, until the tops begin to brown.
  • Spoon the puree into a dish and sprinkle the florets over the top. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with toasted slivered almonds pine nuts, if desired.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 70Carbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gTotal Fat: 5g— Unsaturated Fat: 4g— Saturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 20mgFiber: 2gTotal Sugar: 1g— Natural Sugar: 1g— Added Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!