Roasted Cauliflower with Halloumi and Tomato Sauce

This delightful dish of roasted cauliflower with halloumi and tomato sauce combines rich Mediterranean flavors to tantalize your taste buds. With its origins rooted in traditional Mediterranean cuisine, this dish showcases the versatility and depth of ingredients like halloumi cheese, cauliflower, and fresh herbs. It’s perfect as a main course or a hearty side dish, sure to impress at any dinner setting.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 large cauliflower
30 g melted butter
20 ml mild olive oil
250 g halloumi cheese
Tomato sauce (prepared in advance for polenta)

Spices

1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1/3 tsp fennel or cumin seeds
A pinch of dried oregano
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 80 minutes (includes prep and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous spoonful of salt once it’s bubbling. Place the whole cauliflower in, stem side up, and boil for 10 minutes.
Drain and Cool: After boiling, carefully remove the cauliflower, drain it, and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 210°C (410°F).
Mix Oil and Herbs: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, fennel or cumin seeds, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Prepare for Roasting: Place the cooled cauliflower on a baking tray with the stem side down. Evenly coat the cauliflower with the oil and herb mixture, ensuring that all sides are covered.
Roast the Cauliflower: Transfer the tray to the middle rack of the oven and roast the cauliflower for 1 hour. It should come out golden and crispy.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce and Halloumi: As the cauliflower roasts, place the previously prepared tomato sauce in a ceramic dish. Layer the halloumi slices on top.
Final Cooking Steps: With 25 minutes remaining on the cauliflower's roasting time, place the ceramic dish with tomato sauce and halloumi in the oven alongside the cauliflower.
Check and Serve: Once everything is nicely roasted and cooked, remove from the oven. Serve by placing the halloumi and tomato sauce at the base of your serving dish and top it with the golden cauliflower.

Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures in each bite!

Tips

For a Creamier Sauce: Add a splash of cream to the tomato sauce for a richer flavor.
Spice Alternatives: Swap fennel seeds for cumin if you prefer a more earthy taste.
Cauliflower Variations: To add extra flavor, you can marinate the cauliflower overnight in the herb mixture.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Protein: 18 g
Fats: 32 g
Carbs: 12 g

Variations

Vegan Option: Replace halloumi with a vegan cheese and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
Gluten-Free: Ensure tomato sauce and all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with intolerances.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Garnishes: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Best Places

Botanica - A cozy, plant-based haven with exquisite cauliflower dishes. Location: 1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, USA.
Ottolenghi - Famed for Mediterranean flavors and inventive vegetable plates. Location: 287 Upper St, London, UK.
Gresham's Chop House - Known for upscale dining with a twist on classic recipes. Location: 4934 State Route 6, Hawley, USA.
Mideast Feast - Middle Eastern delights with a focus on comfort food. Location: 4/117-119 St Georges Rd, North Fitzroy, Australia.
Halloumi Heaven - Specializes in dishes featuring the popular cheese. Location: Skydraget 1, 504 31 Borås, Sweden.
Seawise - Overlooking the sea, offers delicious vegetarian menus. Location: Nyhavn 63, 1051 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Harvest - Locally sourced and seasonal ingredients reign. Location: 44 Millo Gramercy Park, New York, USA.
Thyme & Co - Rustic setting known for its fresh ingredient-driven menu. Location: Rue des Draps 12, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
The Greenhouse - An elegant restaurant prioritizing sustainability. Location: Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland.
A Taste of Allah - Famous for traditional and rustic halal dishes. Location: 11 Kadirga Limani Cd, Istanbul, Turkey.