Description
A flavorful and vibrant Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower recipe that combines tender roasted cauliflower with a rich basil-pine nut pesto, finished with extra Parmesan for a deliciously cheesy and herbaceous side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1.5 lbs), cut into florets
Pesto
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the cauliflower. This high temperature ensures a nice golden brown and tender texture.
- Make Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend these ingredients while gradually adding the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth and creamy pesto sauce.
- Toss Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl and toss them with half of the prepared pesto. This coats the florets evenly with the vibrant pesto flavor before roasting.
- Roast Cauliflower: Spread the pesto-coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Finish and Serve: Once roasted, transfer the cauliflower to a serving dish, drizzle the remaining pesto over the top, and sprinkle with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm as a delicious side or light main dish.
Notes
- To toast pine nuts, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- For a nuttier pesto variation, you can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and avoid pre-grated cheese that contains anti-caking agents.
- Make sure to spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.
