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Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Olive Oil and Capers

Roasting a whole head of cauliflower at high heat creates beautifully caramelized florets. It's perfectly offset by fresh parsley and a drizzle of a quick lemon dressing.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/2 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1

(2-pound) head cauliflower, green leaves discarded

1

/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1

teaspoon salt

1

tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste

1

tablespoon drained small capers (packed in brine)

1

/4 teaspoon black pepper

2

cups loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly oil a 9-inch pie plate or square baking dish.

    Step 2

    Core cauliflower, leaving head intact, then discard core and put cauliflower head in pan. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over top of cauliflower and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bake until tender, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Transfer to a serving dish.

    Step 3

    Whisk together lemon juice, capers, pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl, then whisk in remaining 1/4 cup oil.

    Step 4

    Surround cauliflower with parsley sprigs and drizzle cauliflower and parsley with dressing.