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
- 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)
- 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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I love cauliflower! This sounds lovely!
Thank you!
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!
Danielle McCoy recently posted…Homestead Blog Hop 107
You’ll love this meatless main!
We will just love your Roasted Cauliflower with that awesome Yogurt Sauce.
Miz Helen recently posted…Cornbread and Apple Dressing
Thanks.
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.
Deborah Davis recently posted…What Is An MRI Scan?
I hope you enjoy!
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 😉
kimmythevegan recently posted…Healthy Vegan Friday #123
You’re sure to love this!
yum! Love roast cauliflower and black sesame seeds. Fabulous recipe 🙂
Thank you!
I LOVE roasted cauliflower! I can’t wait to try this, Pinned. 🙂
This blows all roasted cauliflower out of the park!
I am just learning all the wonderful things that cauliflower can do. Here is another one you have shown us.
Kathleen – Bloggers Lifestyle recently posted…Chia Bread [Low Carb Magic]
Yup!
That black sesame yogurt sauce sounds delicious!
Annmarie recently posted…Vegan Hashweh “Rice Stuffing” {Gluten Free}
Anything sesame is killer!
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.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Friday #163 – Legacy of Health
Thanks!
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 😉
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes recently posted…Raw Vegan Caramel Apples
Haha! Never too much yummy cauliflower!
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 😉
Megan – The Emotional Baker recently posted…Layered Mocha Pumpkin Oat Smoothie
:O I like it raw more than roasted! Haha! But you’ll for sure love this!
Easy cauliflower recipe! I like roasted flavor. This sound good!
Uma recently posted…Indian Rice Noodles – Akki Shavige Recipe
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I’ve been loving cauliflower recently, especially with tahini sauce drizzled on it! Never tried with sesame seeds…yum!
Anything with tahini!
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.
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…Almond Joy Oat Bars (Soft & Chewy!)
You would love it!
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. *-*
Farrah recently posted…Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail
Bahahaha 😉 Pick up some pumpkin and make my pie too 😛
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!
Georgianna recently posted…Potluck Dinner Club: Rainbow Potluck (with bonus Corn Salsa Recipe)
Yes, of course. I don’t need recipes though, I’m a recipe developer.
YUM! This looks delicious! I don’t usually eat cauliflower but this has given me a second look!
Carly Brower recently posted…You Know You’re A Blogger When…
Time to start then!
I’ve yet to try roasting a whole cauliflower but this sounds delicious!
You should go for it!
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!
nadia recently posted…Chocolate Tahini Cups (Vegan & Gluten-free)
It’s fermented 🙂
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!
Sophia | Veggies Don’t Bite recently posted…Vegan Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Scones with Easy Cinnamon Glaze
Hahahaha! I’m glad you like it now 😉
Black Sesame Yogurt Sauce. Wow!
Another completely inspirational and authentic recipe Rebecca!
Thanks
neil@neilshealthymeals.com recently posted…Chickpea And Butternut Squash Casserole
Thanks, Neil!
I recently discovered my toddler loves cauliflower. Next time I’m roasting some for her, I’ll have to try this for me!
Amanda recently posted…Pumpkin Spice Flan
Sure!
I really should try roasting it whole, instead of taking the time to cut it.
It’s a great way to change it up to be a bit “fancier” 😛
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!
Laura recently posted…Pumpkin with Harissa and Cumin Cashew Dip
It’s always so mysterious 😉
LOVE roasted cauliflower, and that yogurt sauce sounds amazing!
Thank you, Courtney!
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! 🙂
Demeter | Beaming Baker recently posted…No Bake Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
All the weirder foods are just the best 😉
Oh definitely! I’m a cauliflower girl too! It’s the best and so versatile! This sounds interesting!
Yes it is!
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!
Amanda recently posted…Pumpkin Spice Flan
It DOES look like a brain!!
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! 🙂
Tiffany recently posted…How to Stay Healthy When Life is Busy
Do it! You won’t look back!
You’ve certainly added a new twist to cauliflower. I bet it tastes amazing.
Alexa recently posted…Red Pepper Bird Seed Savory Snack Bars
It does!
Roasted cauliflower is so good, and you’ve taken it to another level!
It so is! Thank you!
I was just playing with a whole roasted cauliflower recipe. Love your version with that great sauce!
Kelly recently posted…Rosemary Pork with Roasted Parsnips and Pears
They are such a great meatless dinner option!
What an awesome flavor combination…YUM!!!
Diana @ Live Lean Eat Green recently posted…Fit Foodie Run Race Recap
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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.
No matter what you back it with, the green color gets a tad lost! She’ll live 😛
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!
Ah, well Za’atar is always delicious too!!
This is one stunning dish, love that you added sesame seeds what a great idea!
Cricket Plunkett recently posted…Perfect Breakfast Potatoes #HappyBirthdayDrPotato
Always have to have my sesames!
I’ve never whole roasted a cauliflower, but I love this idea. I agree cauliflower has been underappreciated until recently! Love this.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Living for More than the Weekend {Craggy Pinnacle in Fall}
You’ve got to roast a whole one!
Cauliflower is one of my favourites, I also love it raw! Love this recipe.
Sus // roughmeasures.com recently posted…Cosy Pumpkin Spice Latte (caffeine + dairy free) for #virtualpumpkinparty
So good all ways!
Something like this has never even crossed my mind. Sounds interesting. Thank you for this healthy and very interesting ideal!
Platter Talk recently posted…Roasted Rosemary Butter Carrots
I hope you give it a try!
Yes, I have roasted a whole Califlower head before – but never with a black sesame tahini yogurt sauce! YUM!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted…Orange Cardamom Bites {Sugar free • Gluten Free}
You need to try it next with this sauce!
I love roasted cauliflower! Can’t wait to try the sauce.
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate recently posted…Gluten-Free Chili Bar
Thank you!!
I’ve never tried roasting a whole cauliflower before. Sounds pretty tasty! Especially with tahini… 🙂
Raia recently posted…Paleo No-Bake Maple Pumpkin Pie
You must 😉
This looks delicious! I love cauliflower too, raw or cooked. Will have to give this a try!
Thank you! Enjoy!
I love roasted cauliflower and I’m loving the idea of using black sesame seeds and garlic. Looks delicious!
Linda @ Veganosity recently posted…6 Ingredient 5 Minute Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
It adds so much flavor to that blank slate cauli!
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?!
Chrissa – Physical Kitchness recently posted…Whole30 Sloppy Joe Bowls
I know! It’s a magic veggie!
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 🙂
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cashew Cookie Butter
I think this is your next dinner project then!
You totally opened my eyes to new possibilities! Looks so interesting, I will have to give it a try!
Mary Ann recently posted…Headed Towards a Whirlpool
I hope you do! It is delicious!