Basics: Baked Cauliflower Recipe

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Once I started posting Basic recipes, I couldn’t stop. I’m amazed at how many simple, delicious recipes I make every week.  When I started sharing, I thought I’d have Basic Turkey Burgers & Basic Sweet Potatoes, but I’ve already added Crispy Chickpeas, Black Bean Dip, and today Baked Cauliflower…

I like cauliflower more than broccoli.

I feel bad for cauliflower because it’s turned into a trendy veggie (cauliflower crust, cauliflower rice, cauliflower mash, ect) & you’re either on board w the trendy vibe or not.  And if you’re not, cauliflower is taking an unnecessary hit.    I’m here to tell you, cauliflower doesn’t have to be trendy or popular or cool – it can be basic.  Sometimes, basic is better. Mmmmkay. 

Per the usual, I’m keeping this recipe as simple as ever.  Easy enough to run home & make for lunch, or for a quick dinner. 

BASIC BAKED CAULIFLOWER RECIPE

Ingredients:

1/2 head of cauliflower

Olive oil (fav: here)

Salt

1/2 red onion

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet w parchment paper or spray with a cooking oil so the cauliflower doesn’t stick.  WASH your cauliflower.  You can use water, veggie wash, a scrub brush or your hand.  Then, chop your cauliflower into bite size pieces.  If you’ve never done this before, don’t over  think it.  You can either chop & eat only the head (top part of the cauliflower) or the head & stem.  Totally up to you! As long as the pieces are bite size.  Imagine snacking on cauliflower, how big would you want the bite? Once chopped, lay flat on the baking sheet.  If you run out of room, grab another baking sheet.  Then, grab your onion, peel it, and chop into long, thin slices.  Once cut, spread out on baking sheet with cauliflower, making sure all veggies are laying flat.  Sprinkle with salt, spray w a little olive oil (or mix in) then bake for 20 min.  Mix the veggies and bake for another 5 minutes.  Cauliflower is done when it starts to slightly brown & soften. Remove from oven & enjoy!

TIPS:

• Baking time varies!  Depending on how big you made the pieces of cauliflower, it could require a longer cook time.  You want your cauliflower to soften & start browning a little.  If it hasn’t, leave it in the oven for a few minutes longer.
• Mix in a rice dish:  I use baked cauliflower as a meal alone, but also like mixing it with a little quinoa for variety.  Get creative & fancy!
• Add celery salt, pepper, fresh garlic pieces or any other desired flavors to change up your dish.  You can top cauliflower w anything before you bake it
• Try this same recipe with Broccoli!  Just make sure you check the cook time, it may need less time to soften.

And there you have it, another basic recipe to keep in your kitchen arsenal.  You guys, if you’re not cooking at least a few of your own meals at this point – we have to talk.  These are too easy not to!  Try it!

And did you guys see?  Chrissy Teigen has a kitchen collection coming out at Target??  If you didn’t have a reason to cook before, this should be it!  Although I don’t eat anything from her cookbook anymore, it’s still one of my all-time favorites: here.  EXCELLENT recipes that are easy & taste fucking delicious.  I can’t wait to see what her kitchen collection looks like, eeeeek!

Do you have any basic recipes you quickly put together? SHARE!

Have a great week!!

Be thoughtful

+ Other Basic Recipes: Turkey Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries, Black Bean Dip, Crispy Chickpeas