Description
This Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato, and Goat Cheese Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish combining tender roasted cauliflower, a spiced tomato sauce, and creamy goat cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian main or a delicious side, it offers a vibrant balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 medium-size head of cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 (14.5 oz / 411 gr) can diced tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 2 large free-range organic eggs (or 3 medium)
- ¾ cup / 3 oz / 85 gr goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Roast cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the cauliflower into ⅓-inch thick slices. Toss the slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and ground pepper until well coated. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is nicely browned and tender.
- Sauté aromatics: While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of salt, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the onion softens. Add the minced garlic and thyme and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, ground cinnamon, additional salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the skillet, and allow it to cook on low heat for 15 minutes, melding the flavors into a rich sauce.
- Combine and bake: In a large bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower slices with the tomato sauce, mixing gently. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish. In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs and crumbled goat cheese together until evenly combined, then pour this over the cauliflower mixture. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with feta or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with a chickpea flour batter or flax eggs and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or milk to the egg and cheese mixture before pouring over the casserole.
- Ensure to slice cauliflower evenly for consistent roasting.
