Name: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Chickpea Hummus and Chili Oil Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower (cut into 1-inch thick “steaks”); 2 heads garlic (with skins on); 5 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper (to taste); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional, for color and earthiness); 400 g chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 4 tbsp tahini; 1 lemon (juice only); Salt and pepper (to taste); Water (as needed, to adjust consistency); Fresh parsley (chopped); Chili oil (for drizzling)

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower (cut into 1-inch thick “steaks”)

2 heads garlic

5 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper (to taste)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp turmeric (optional, for a hint of color and earthiness)

400 g chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

4 tbsp tahini

1 lemon (juice only)

Water (as needed, to adjust consistency)

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Chili oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the cauliflower steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Reserve any extra florets to roast alongside. In a small bowl, mix olive oil with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, and turmeric if using. Drizzle the seasoned oil over the cauliflower steaks and extra florets, coating evenly. Place the two heads of garlic with skins on the same baking sheet.

Step 2: Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender with golden, crispy edges and the garlic is soft and caramelized.

Step 3: Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly, then squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, roasted garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water gradually until the hummus reaches your preferred consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Spread a generous layer of the chickpea hummus onto a serving plate. Carefully place the spiced cauliflower steaks on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy your vibrant and hearty dish as a main course or a flavorful side.

Tips & Variations

For extra smokiness, try adding a pinch of smoked chili flakes to the spice mix.

You can substitute chickpeas for white beans for a different hummus flavor.

Serve with warm pita bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

If turmeric is unavailable, simply omit it; the flavor will still be delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower is preferred for roasting into steaks because frozen tends to be softer and may not hold its shape as well. However, you can use frozen cauliflower florets and roast them, but they won’t form steaks.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mildly spiced with warm spices like smoked paprika and cumin, and the chili oil drizzle adds a gentle heat. You can adjust the chili oil amount to control the spice level.