Blackened Balsamic Cauliflower

Blackened Balsamic Cauliflower is an easy and delicious recipe from The Plantpower Way: Italia by Julie Piatt and Rich Roll. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free and healthy. And you only need a handful of ingredients to make it.

I never thought much about how I prepare cauliflower.

Other than eating it raw dipped in hummus or on a salad, I usually reach for these go-to recipes to prepare it:

Roasted Cauliflower with Jalapeno and Lime

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Salad

Warm Cauliflower Salad with Brussels Sprouts

But now I have a new favorite!

And it’s just one of many recipes to try from The Plantpower Way: Italia: Delicious Vegan Recipes from the Italian Countryside by Julie Piatt and Rich Roll.

(And you can win your own copy of the book at the end of this post!)

When I think of Italian cuisine, probably the first things that come to mind are pasta and cheese.

And while this book does showcase those classics, they are all plant-based, including the cheese.

In fact, Julie Piatt is an expert when it comes to making vegan cheeses.

You may have her book This Cheese is Nuts!

I am a huge fan of the Mac and Cheese with Garlic Spinach from it.

This new books includes even more nut cheese recipes including Macadamia Cashew Burrata, Sicilian Orange Cheese, and Cashew Almond Mozzarella.

And just like the original The Plantpower Way: Whole Food Plant-Based Recipes and Guidance for the Whole Family, this new Italian recipe collection has something for everyone.

The chapters are as follows:

Blends and Breakfast

Sauces, Spreads, and Cheeses

Pizzas

Antipasti and Contorni

Pasta and Primo

Salads and Soups

Desserts

I’m excited to try the Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade; Buffalo Cauliflower, Pineapple, and Porcini Bacon Pizza; Roasted Artichokes with Cashew Herb Cream; Cannellini Beans with Swiss Chard in Pistachio Oil; and Creamy Lemon Gelato.

But first I had to try the Blackened Balsamic Cauliflower!

You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make Blackened Balsamic Cauliflower.

Instead of starting with the florets, the cauliflowers are roasted whole under the broiler with some olive oil and salt.

Then the heads are separated into bite-size pieces and arranged on a serving platter.

Balsamic vinegar is added, along with fresh oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

And then it’s time to eat!

Now let’s make Blackened Balsamic Cauliflower!

5 from 3 votes

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Blackened Balsamic Cauliflower

This is one of my favorite ways to serve up cauliflower. This whole food comes alive with the lively contrasts of the fireside roasted flavor combined with the distinct sweet acidic balsamic. Garnished with your favorite Italian herbs, this is whole food at its very best. This is a great recipe to include as a side at dinner or main at lunch. It can also mix beautifully in risotto or with roasted potatoes. 

Reprinted from The Plantpower Way Italia by arrangement with Avery Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © 2018, Julie Piatt and Rich Roll

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 6

Calories 98 kcal

Author Julie Piatt and Rich Roll

Ingredients

• 2 heads cauliflower
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons Celtic sea salt
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• fresh oregano, rosemary and thyme

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to broil.

2. On a baking sheet, place both heads of cauliflower root-side down and brush them generously with olive oil. Sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of the salt.

3. Broil the heads of cauliflower until the tops become slightly blackened and the base of the cauliflower is a bit translucent and slightly tender. Remove the heads of cauliflower from the oven.

4. On a cutting board, cut off the heads and separate them into bite-size florets.

5. While they are steaming hot, arrange the florets on a serving plate and pour the vinegar over them. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and the pepper. Finish by sprinkling with fresh herbs.

Recipe Notes

If you make Blackened Balsamic Cauliflower, or any of the other recipes on the website, I would love to see your creations! 

Use the hashtag #veggiessavetheday on Instagram and tag Veggies Save The Day so I don’t miss seeing what’s cooking in your kitchen. In addition, you can post your photos on the Facebook page Veggies Save The Day. 

Nutrition Facts

Blackened Balsamic Cauliflower

Amount Per Serving

Calories 98 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 5g 8%

Sodium 2385mg 99%

Potassium 584mg 17%

Total Carbohydrates 11g 4%

Dietary Fiber 3g 12%

Sugars 5g

Protein 3g 6%

Vitamin C 112%

Calcium 4.5%

Iron 4.9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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