Baked Cajun Cauliflower

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. This cajun cauliflower dish is a classic example of that. It only has a couple of ingredients, only requires about 2 minutes of prep, and the rest of the time you can just sit back, relax, smell it roasting in the oven and then enjoy.

I absolutely love baking cauliflower, along with its leaves (because they are also very delicious and nutritious). It works a great base for holding a range of different flavours, with many going for the classic turmeric. This dish is perfect if you are trying to get someone to enjoy cauliflower who may otherwise be a little dismissive of it.

It does require a small amount of cheating though. Ideally, you will buy ‘Cajun seasoning’ from the supermarket already mixed, rather than having to combine about 20 spices to get the right flavour. Sainsbury’s and most supermarkets should have it in their spice aisle.

TOTAL COOKING TIME: 45 minutes

SERVES: Up to 4 people as a large side dish

SEASON: Spring and Autumn

INGREDIENTS:

1 whole organic cauliflower (including leaves)

1 organic sweet red pepper (optional)

2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive)

2-3 tbsp cajun seasoning (pre-mixed bought from most big supermarkets)

1 tbsp water

METHOD:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C. Take out a large ceramic roasting dish or line a metal roasting dish with greaseproof paper.

2. Break the cauliflower head into florets and place in a large mixing bowl. Place the leaves to one side for the time being, and chop what is left of the stem up into chunks and add to the mixing bowl.

3. Add the oil, water and cajun seasoning to the bowl and mix thoroughly with the cauliflower until all the florets are well-coated in a layer of seasoning (you may wish to add more seasoning to your liking).

4. Pour the cauliflower into your roasting tin and place in the oven to bake for 45 minutes.

5. If you wish to add pepper as well, slice it up and add to the roasting tin (mixing well) after about 15 minutes.

6. Finally, wash and chop your leaves and add them to the dish about 10 minutes before serving.

7. Enjoy hot or cold as a lovely accompaniment to meat / fish / protein source, in a salad, in a buddha bowl, in a wrap, etc.