Whole Baked Crispy Cauliflower

So pretty to serve and super easy to prepare. This is a crispy canvas for any flavour theme. So yummy!

Pre-heat oven to 450F.

First, in a large pot, generously salt the water and gently boil the washed whole head of cauliflower for about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let dry for a while. 

In an oven proof pan, simply season the entire head of cauliflower with lots of olive oil, salt and pepper. Pop it in the oven for 45-55 min. Need to see the char...

While this bakes, prepare a sauce that will be poured over the head once cooked. Make more sauce than you think as it is easily absorbed by the hot cauliflower and delicious to scoop with every bite. Pick a glavour profile and wing it. 

Here is a Mediterranean version:

Greek Extra virgin Olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon and its zest.

Handful of chopped capers and 1 garlic clove, minced. 

Paprika, garlic salt, dried Greek oregano, bunch of fresh chopped basil and parsley, salt and pepper. 

Look for texture. Pine nuts, baked quinoa crisps, croutons, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds etc...

Look for freshness with a variety of herbs. And lots.

Mint, cilantro and harissa,

Cumin, shallots  etc.

Also fun to lay the cauliflower on a bed of yogourt, hummus, buratta or any other spreadable. 

This dish takes tons of flavour. Just decide the slant and enjoy as a side or main dish.

YUM...and fun to make. 

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Zingy Zucchini Taco Boats

Another dinner when everything in the fridge "must-go"! 

This Zucchini boat dish is just a canvas for a creative opportunity to use up any vegg and/or any ground meat you may have on hand. Here's what had "to go" on this particular day...

Filling:

Sauté diced onions, 

1 smashed clove garlic, chopped red and yellow cabbage, shredded carrot, parsley.

Add ground beef to brown. Add chicken stock, a bit of tomato passata or ketchup. 

Spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic salt, chili powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. OR...a packet of Taco seasoning.

Half the raw zucchinis and scoop out the center with a spoon. The pulp goes in the meat mixture. 

In a pan than you can use to bake and broil, layer some tomato passata and olivenoil, salt and peepper. Lay the zucchini boats side by side and full each with the meat mixture. Top with whatever grated cheese you have, love Cheddar on this. And, don't forget your favorite hot sauce to go...

At 350F, bake for 40 min or so and then broil for a couple of minutes for melty cheese action. 

You can see how this concoction is open to so many variations. The zucchini is just a low carb vessel for a delish dish. 

Pick a theme, Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and fill them up! Great leftovers too. 

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