How can a dish with less than a handful of (fairly healthy) ingredients be so darn delicious?
Here’s how: Cheese.
Last year I drove out to Denver from Atlanta – and yes that was a LONG drive.
After 3 days in the car with my gal Lulu, we made it to Denver and I realized that I loved it.
No, this is not an announcement that I’m moving to Denver even though part of me kind of wishes it was 😉.
So okay, we did the drive, how does this relate to a roasted cauliflower dish?
Don’t worry, I’m getting there.
So fast forward a month or two and it’s January of 2020 – you know, right before sh*t hit the fan.
I make my way back out there with 2 of my favorite gals in tow. The four of us were out to have the best Colorado trip yet. Which, we totally did.
So, it’s our last night in Denver and we sat down for dinner in the restaurant we’ve been most anxious to visit → Safta.
After I visited Suraya in Philly, I quickly became a sucker for Lebanese and Israeli food and was THRILLED that we were able to snag a spot at Safta. And, it did not disappoint. Gosh, it was all so good.
Now we’re getting to the point – I promise.
One of the dishes we ordered to share was their whole roasted cauliflower over whipped feta.
And damn, it was delicious. I was SO stuffed so I had to stop eating it after a few bites, but I had promised myself I would make something inspired by that dish.
This version, at least I like to think so, may be a little more approachable for home cooking. I was hesitant to put a whole head of cauliflower in the oven because I figured I was not an acclaimed chef like the one leading Safta. And, I didn’t want to ruin the one head of cauliflower we did have.
So, here we are. Roasted cauliflower dusted with za’atar spices served atop whipped feta cheese. Yup, it’s as delicious as it sounds. Get the recipe below and enjoy a taste for yourself!
Prep your cauliflower. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the cauliflower, oil, za'atar, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Transfer the cauliflower onto the baking sheet and spread florets into an even layer. Roast for 15 minutes. Remove the baking sheet and toss the cauliflower to ensure even cooking. Return to the oven for 30 minutes more, or until the cauli is browned all over.
While your cauliflower is roasting, whip your feta. Lots of whipped feta recipes call for cream cheese (which sounds DELICIOUS!), but I wanted to keep this recipe as wholesome as possible. So, grab your stand mixer (or mix by hand with a whisk) and add your feta, garlic cloves, and a splash of your olive oil. Mix until smooth and combined. Then, season with your salt and pepper and top with dill.
Ingredients
Directions
Prep your cauliflower. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the cauliflower, oil, za'atar, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl and toss to coat evenly.
Transfer the cauliflower onto the baking sheet and spread florets into an even layer. Roast for 15 minutes. Remove the baking sheet and toss the cauliflower to ensure even cooking. Return to the oven for 30 minutes more, or until the cauli is browned all over.
While your cauliflower is roasting, whip your feta. Lots of whipped feta recipes call for cream cheese (which sounds DELICIOUS!), but I wanted to keep this recipe as wholesome as possible. So, grab your stand mixer (or mix by hand with a whisk) and add your feta, garlic cloves, and a splash of your olive oil. Mix until smooth and combined. Then, season with your salt and pepper and top with dill.
What restaurant are you most craving right now? Gosh I miss all my Atlanta favorites SO much!
g.
*The recipe for the za’atar roasted cauliflower originally appeared in the Power Spicing cookbook
