This rainbow-filled recipe for my Herb Roasted Whole Cauliflower is the ultimate centerpiece for any holiday celebration! Made with a buttery herb sauce, spicy green cream, and crispy chickpeas, every bite is absolutely bliss and full of flavor. The balance of crunchy, smooth, zesty, and hearty all come together for a beautiful feast everyone will enjoy!
If you love this recipe, you may also like my Haitian Epis Cauliflower Wings and Vegan Chicken Parmesan!
COURSE: Main, Side dish
CUISINE: Plant-based, Holiday
NUTRITIONAL FACTS: (Per 1 Cup Serving)
- Calories 190g
- Protein 5g
- Dietary Fiber 7g
Why You Will Love This Herb Roasted Whole Cauliflower:
This Herb Roasted Whole Cauliflower is a treat! It’s full of flavor from herbs and spices, and the butter herb sauce is heavenly. The cauliflower is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the crispy chickpeas are seasoned with smoky spices that add an irresistible crunch. It’s healthy and looks great – perfect for any event so you are guaranteed to love it!
About the Ingredients:
This tasty dish has wholesome ingredients for a fantastic meal. The whole cauliflower roasts with a butter herb sauce made of basil, parsley, vegan butter, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. The chickpeas are crispy with poultry seasoning and smoked paprika for the ultimate pop of protein. And the spicy green hummus has jalapeño, basil, mint, spinach, and nutritional yeast for a zesty, fun flavor. This recipe is so healthy and simply stunning – perfect for any occasion or meal!
Whole Cauliflower
Purple cauliflower, or Sicilian cauliflower, is a unique type with a purple exterior and white inside. It tastes similar to white cauliflower but sweeter and nuttier. It’s also a good vegan alternative to chicken. It’s healthy too, with fiber, vitamins C and K, and potassium. This recipe suggests using purple cauliflower to make the dish look more colorful!
If you don’t have purple cauliflower, white, orange, or Romanesco are also fine. The butter herb sauce and crispy chickpeas will go with any type of cauliflower. Try different ones to see which you prefer!
Minced Basil
Basil is a fragrant herb used in Mediterranean and Italian cooking. It has a sweet, peppery flavor when minced which adds flavor to the dish. Basil is also a good source of vitamin K and essential minerals!
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard is made with white wine and spices, mainly mustard seeds. I love to use it to enhance flavors in recipes like dressings, marinades, and sauces. This recipe uses dijon mustard in the butter herb sauce to add depth to the dish.
Mustard also helps regulate blood and improve digestion!
Plain Hummus and Cooked Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a type of versatile bean. They are beige, nutty, and extra creamy. Chickpeas can be used in many dishes like veggie bowls and falafel because they are versatile and tender. Chickpeas are healthy and filling for any meal because they have protein, fiber, and many nutrients.
You can use plain hummus and cooked chickpeas in this recipe. But, if you use cooked chickpeas in the sauce it will change the texture and flavor. So, be aware of that! If you use hummus, adjust the amount of vegetable broth for the spicy green hummus to get the right consistency.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a yeast used for seasoning food and giving it an umami flavor. I like it because it tastes like cheese but has no dairy products in it. This recipe uses nutritional yeast in the spicy green hummus sauce for the perfect balance. Nutritional yeast also has vitamins and minerals, like B12 and you can buy nutritional yeast online or at health food stores.
Questions and Tips:
What equipment can I make this recipe in?
You only need basic kitchen tools for this Herb Roasted Whole Cauliflower recipe. Boil the cauliflower in a pot, then roast it and add chickpeas on a baking sheet. Use a blender for the spicy green hummus and a bowl to mix the butter herb sauce. Mix the chickpeas with a spatula while they roast. It’s simple and uses standard kitchen tools!
Are the extra toppings necessary?
No, but you can add toppings for more flavor. Add crumbled vegan feta or grated Parmesan for saltiness. Drizzle balsamic glaze or agave for sweetness and acidity. Add chopped nuts or toasted bread crumbs for crunch. Also add herbs, tomatoes, or cucumbers for freshness and color. Be creative with toppings – options are endless!
What else can I serve with this Herb Roasted Whole Cauliflower?
This Herb Roasted Whole Cauliflower is both yummy and good for you! For the sides you can make a green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers, and dress it with a light vinaigrette. For more fiber and nutrients, you can add meatballs or tostadas with loads of plant protein. Quinoa or brown rice will complement the dish’s earthy flavors and provide more protein and carbs. Or you can also have some crispy tacos or pita on the side to soak up the remaining sauce or hummus.
How long does this recipe last?
This recipe will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Put spicy green hummus in a sealed container and store it in the fridge for up to 8 days. You can keep butter herb sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 6 days. Stir hummus and sauce well after storing to avoid separation.
Will non-vegans like this?
Non-vegans can always enjoy this dish! It has unique herbs, spices, and savory sauce. Crispy chickpeas add crunch and the spicy green hummus is so refreshing. It looks great as a main dish and is perfect for special occasions. Share it with non-vegan friends and family, they’ll love it!
