A Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Black Sesame Yogurt Sauce baked to tender perfection. This hearty gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, and paleo main dish will satisfy even the biggest of cauliflower skeptics. A recipe full of flavor and comfort for one memorable dinner!
There is nothing cauliflower can't do. From rice, puree, to grilled steaks. How about one amazing main course of whole roasted cauliflower coated in a deep and luscious black sesame yogurt sauce and baked to the most tender bite you've ever put in your mouth! Wowza to that description of truth!
My favorite way to eat cauliflower has always been raw. I would purposely scope out the raw cauliflower on the veggie platter at parties and family gatherings. Ever since I was a little girl, raw cauliflower has been one of my veggie obsessions! (This girl used to dip it in some ranch dressing too!) But I'll take cauliflower anyway and whole roasted may just be the newest most delicious way to prepare it!
I think I love raw cauliflower because it's so easy. Just...break off some pieces to eat! But the other easiest way...roasted a whole head. I'd always read about the soft tender deliciousness that was produced when cooking the cauliflower this way. The key was also in the coating, though. Just cut off the bottom leaves, rub it in something like oil or creamy yogurt and bake. I went a little fancy on the flavors are used some homemade black sesame tahini (just ground black sesame seeds), tomato sauce and paste, coconut yogurt, and Chinese seasonings. Let's not neglect that fact that's it's also roasted right in THE PAN!
I wasn't too sure what to expect when I took it out of the oven for the first time. I remember it was one of those snowed-in days last winter and we were all in need of some oven-roasted comfort food. It seemed like the perfect time to try out the whole roasted method (plus I had some coconut yogurt to use for something special!) Boy, was it everything I'd read and heard it would be...maybe even better! If you're looking for a killer hearty plant-based entree to serve a crowd, the whole roasted cauliflower is that way to go!
It would be perfect for those big holiday dinner we have coming up! Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. You can serve it by cutting it into slices or get a little messy and easily break the tender florets off with your hands! O, that black sesame yogurt sauce is just divine! Cauliflower is a bit bland on its own, but with that sauce totally coating it and baked in...it's like a magic transformation happens in your oven! Another fabulous this about the whole roasted cauliflower? It is seriously amazing when eaten cold as leftovers! I don't advise it, but you may end up wanting to eat the entire head of cauliflower by yourself!
A few quick notes. I used a green cauliflower since that's just what I happened to have! Feel free to use a normal one, haha! You can also use normal sesame tahini if you don't have black sesame seeds to grind in a coffee grinder which I did. It will still be delicious, 100%! You can double up the sauce recipe and heat some in a separate bowl to serve the sliced wedges with!
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Black Sesame Yogurt Sauce
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Black Sesame Yogurt Sauce
A Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Black Sesame Yogurt Sauce baked to tender perfection. This hearty gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, and paleo main dish will satisfy even the biggest of cauliflower skeptics. A recipe full of flavor and comfort for one memorable dinner!
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 Medium to Large Whole Cauliflower
- 1 Clove Black Garlic (optional)
- 2 TB Black Sesame Seeds
- Black Sesame Yogurt Sauce:
- ½ Cup Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt
- ½ Cup Plain Tomato Sauce
- 2 TB Black Sesame Tahini (about 4 TB Black Sesame Seeds, ground)
- 1 TB Tomato Paste
- ½ Tsp Pureed Ginger
- ½ Tsp Chili Paste
- ½ Tsp Chinese 5 Spice
- 2 Scallions (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Wash and trim the bottom leaves off the cauliflower and place it in the center of a cast iron skillet.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and mix well.
- Rub the cauliflower with the black garlic and then coat the cauliflower with the yogurt sauce. Use your hands and get it in all the crevices.
- Sprinkle the whole black sesame seeds over the coated cauliflower.
- Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and about to fall apart.
- Cut into wedges and serve with more sauce if desired for dipped!
Easy and simple with a little bit of messy hand work! But if a vegetable could be any more hearty and satisfying I want to see it! This recipe for whole roasted cauliflower fits the bill and I know you and your family will fall in love! Long live the humble cauliflower and all its versatility! I feel the more simple the veggie, the more uses it has. Veggies are delicious and wholesome and should never be scoffed at! Plant-based dishes can be pretty amazing when you prepare them the right way 😉
So tell me:
+ Ever have whole roasted cauliflower?
+ What's your favorite HEARTY plant-based dish?
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Jo
This looks delish! We're always trying to find new ways to eat cauliflower as we try and eat low carb, so thank you for the inspiration!
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hope you've enjoyed!
Silly Mummy
I love cauliflower! This sounds lovely!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Danielle McCoy
I'm not a huge fan of cauliflower raw, but I do enjoy it roasted or turned into other things (like rice, pizza dough etc). So, I'll definitely give this a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You'll love this meatless main!
Miz Helen
We will just love your Roasted Cauliflower with that awesome Yogurt Sauce.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks.
Deborah Davis
Your delectable Whole Roasted Cauliflower With Black Sesame Yogurt Sauce recipe is challenging me to up my cauliflower cooking game. I really need to move beyond simply steaming my cauliflower. I can't wait to try this recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you enjoy!
kimmythevegan
I was never a huge cauliflower fan, I don't enjoy it raw, but I am really starting to come around to it if it's roasted. This is such a pretty cauliflower. I love all the black things!! Looks like a chic, updated version of roasted cauliflower 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You're sure to love this!
ema
yum! Love roast cauliflower and black sesame seeds. Fabulous recipe 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Angela Campos
I LOVE roasted cauliflower! I can't wait to try this, Pinned. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This blows all roasted cauliflower out of the park!
Kathleen - Bloggers Lifestyle
I am just learning all the wonderful things that cauliflower can do. Here is another one you have shown us.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup!
Annmarie
That black sesame yogurt sauce sounds delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Anything sesame is killer!
Marla
I had never heard of black sesame yogurt sauce but it sounds quite interesting. and tasty. In fact the cauliflower recipes sounds so healthy and unique.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes
Yum! I've been eating sooo much cauliflower this past month that my husband doesn't want to see it anymore. I don't care though because it's so versatile and delicious! Love this roasted cauliflower. Definitely next on my list of cauliflower recipes to make 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! Never too much yummy cauliflower!
Megan - The Emotional Baker
I actually don't like raw cauliflower. I love roasting it though. Not sure why I haven't tried it whole yet - so much easier than whacking those little florets 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
:O I like it raw more than roasted! Haha! But you'll for sure love this!
Uma
Easy cauliflower recipe! I like roasted flavor. This sound good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
I've been loving cauliflower recently, especially with tahini sauce drizzled on it! Never tried with sesame seeds...yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Anything with tahini!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
You always have the most inventive recipes Rebecca. I've never tried roasting a whole cauliflower, but it's so easy that I should try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You would love it!
Farrah
Yay for cauliflower and that black sesame yogurt sauce looks all sorts of awesome! If I get to make it home one o' these days, I'm going to need to head over to the grocery store again, haha. *-*
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Bahahaha 😉 Pick up some pumpkin and make my pie too 😛
Georgianna
I have yet to try roasted a full head, but this sounds damn delicious! Have you ever read or seen any Thug Kitchen recipes? They make similar stuff that is entirely plant based and if you can tolerate profanity are well worth the read for recipes and inspiration!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, of course. I don't need recipes though, I'm a recipe developer.
Carly Brower
YUM! This looks delicious! I don't usually eat cauliflower but this has given me a second look!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Time to start then!
Lauren
I've yet to try roasting a whole cauliflower but this sounds delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You should go for it!
nadia
Yummy! I'm obsessed with roasted cauliflower at the moment and love anything with sesame seeds! Never come across black garlic before - I'm intrigued!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's fermented 🙂
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
I use to HATE cauliflower. Like I'd gag at the thought of it. Then I realized, that boiled tasteless was not the only way it was made! LOL. Since then, I have found so many amazing ways to use and love it! I'm liking the looks of this, it looks so crispy! YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha! I'm glad you like it now 😉
neil@neilshealthymeals.com
Black Sesame Yogurt Sauce. Wow!
Another completely inspirational and authentic recipe Rebecca!
Thanks
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks, Neil!
Amanda
I recently discovered my toddler loves cauliflower. Next time I'm roasting some for her, I'll have to try this for me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure!
Megan
I really should try roasting it whole, instead of taking the time to cut it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's a great way to change it up to be a bit "fancier" 😛
Laura
I love sesame seeds, and I recently got black tahini! So cool! I love having black on the food like you've done here. Looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's always so mysterious 😉
Courtney
LOVE roasted cauliflower, and that yogurt sauce sounds amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Courtney!
Demeter | Beaming Baker
Roasted cauliflower, raw cauliflower, cauliflower popcorn--I'll take it all! This is such a fun and tasty idea, Rebecca! Love that you used black sesame--it's totally one of the best ingredients ever (along with cauliflower, of course). 😉 Hand me three servings please! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
All the weirder foods are just the best 😉
Amy
Oh definitely! I'm a cauliflower girl too! It's the best and so versatile! This sounds interesting!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes it is!
Amanda
Roasting cauliflower brings out a kind of nutty sweetness I love. I have to laugh looking at whole cauliflower. My mom would steam whole cauliflower with cheese. Dad told us it was a brain! Nice for Halloween!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It DOES look like a brain!!
Tiffany
This looks so delicious! I really need to get on the 'roasting a whole head of cauliflower' train, I've been meaning to for a while and I think this is the perfect recipe! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do it! You won't look back!
Alexa
You've certainly added a new twist to cauliflower. I bet it tastes amazing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It does!
Kate
Roasted cauliflower is so good, and you've taken it to another level!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It so is! Thank you!
Kelly
I was just playing with a whole roasted cauliflower recipe. Love your version with that great sauce!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are such a great meatless dinner option!
Diana @ Live Lean Eat Green
What an awesome flavor combination...YUM!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands
Love roasted cauliflower and find this interesting! My mom use to make a sour cream roasted cauliflower and this reminds me of that kind of. I just worry A would cry if she saw me turn beautiful green cauliflower black, haha.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No matter what you back it with, the green color gets a tad lost! She'll live 😛
Beth (OMG! Yummy)
Love whole roasted cauliflower so much! And the yogurt sauce is a great idea. I used za'atar when I made it but now I'm thinking about a yogurt tahini dipping sauce to go with!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah, well Za'atar is always delicious too!!
Cricket Plunkett
This is one stunning dish, love that you added sesame seeds what a great idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Always have to have my sesames!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt
I've never whole roasted a cauliflower, but I love this idea. I agree cauliflower has been underappreciated until recently! Love this.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You've got to roast a whole one!
Sus // roughmeasures.com
Cauliflower is one of my favourites, I also love it raw! Love this recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So good all ways!
Platter Talk
Something like this has never even crossed my mind. Sounds interesting. Thank you for this healthy and very interesting ideal!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you give it a try!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
Yes, I have roasted a whole Califlower head before - but never with a black sesame tahini yogurt sauce! YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You need to try it next with this sauce!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
I love roasted cauliflower! Can't wait to try the sauce.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!
Raia
I've never tried roasting a whole cauliflower before. Sounds pretty tasty! Especially with tahini... 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You must 😉
Jann Newton
This looks delicious! I love cauliflower too, raw or cooked. Will have to give this a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! Enjoy!
Linda @ Veganosity
I love roasted cauliflower and I'm loving the idea of using black sesame seeds and garlic. Looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It adds so much flavor to that blank slate cauli!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
Roasted (or grilled) is hands down my favorite way to eat cauliflower! You just spoke to my heart here! Who knew cauliflower was SO insanely versatile?!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know! It's a magic veggie!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
I've actually never roasted a whole head of cauliflower before and I'm not sure why! It's even easier than cutting lol . I have cauliflower at least 4 times per week and love that it can be made a variety of ways so I never get bored. This cauliflowers got some magnificent flavor here, I don't think i would share 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think this is your next dinner project then!
Mary Ann
You totally opened my eyes to new possibilities! Looks so interesting, I will have to give it a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you do! It is delicious!