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Crispy and Cheesy Smashed Cauliflower

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower cut into medium size florets (not too big not too small)
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ tablespoons preserved lemon paste*
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon each paprika, onion powder, Italian herb blend
  • salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • lemon wedges, chives

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400℉.

  2. Add cauliflower to a large pot and cover base with a few inches of water. Steam cauliflower for about 4-5 minutes, just until it's soft enough to smash but still undercooked. Not mushy! I'd stay close to the pot and keep checking. Once done, drain and pat dry.

  3. Place cauliflower on a large sheet pan and very gently smash it with a large fork or your clean or gloved hands until it flattens slightly. Drizzle oil, garlic, preserved lemon paste, parmesan, spices, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes or until pieces start to look browned and crispy.

  4. Garnish with lemon wedges and chives.

Recipe Notes

*If you cant get your hands on preserved lemon paste, substitute the zest of one lemon and about a tablespoon of lemon juice.