Guys…are you as worried about cauliflower as I am?
Cauliflower has become a great substitute for so many low-carb versions of classic dishes…rice, mashed potatoes, even mac & cheese, from breadsticks to bagels and nachos to tortillas, cauliflower is working overtime to make everything look (and taste) good… but it’s time we give cauliflower its identity back.
What do you say?
Slice it up. Grill it up. Let its flavor shine and be the star of the show.
This Cauliflower Steak with Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade should help give this nutrition-dense vegetable the spotlight it deserves.
By whirring up fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, a little tomato paste and salt and pepper – you’re on your way to a meal that is jam-packed with flavor so reminiscent of the Mediterranean, with its big pops of color and texture, you’ll think you have olive trees growing in your backyard and tomatoes drying under the heat of the Tuscan sun.
With a small dollop of this briny robust tapenade, our ‘steak’ delivers on taste, health and “beefiness”.
It’s as satisfying as any rib-eye I’ve ever had.
Buon Appetito!
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Cauliflower Steaks with Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade
- Category: Vegetable
Ingredients
- 8 – 10 kalamata olives
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, well-drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 large clove of garlic
- salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 – 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 head of cauliflower
Instructions
- Combine first five ingredients in food processor. Process until ingredients are coarsely chopped.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
- In the meantime, pre-heat your grill pan or skillet on medium-high heat.
- Remove the leaves and trim off the tough base of the cauliflower head.
- Cut 1 inch thick cross-section slices.
- Drizzle olive oil in the pan, then cook the steaks for 6 – 8 minutes on each side. Season with salt and pepper.
- Check if they’re cooked through by cutting into the center with a butter knife. If it slides through easily, it’s done.
- Remove from pan and top with tapenade and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve.
Ciao!
Being the cheap skate I am, I just bought 2 heads of cauliflower because they were $1 each!! I was wondering what else I could make with them other than the usual….then this popped up as a related recipe!! Totally meant to be. AND I have everything I need. You’re a lifesaver Annie!!!
Actually, I’m here looking for a sliders recipe. I want to do hot dogs and sliders for 4th of July (yes, even us Aussies celebrate!!). 🙂
Ahhhh! So happy I could help! I love your idea for pairing this with sliders and dogs!! You just planned my menu for the 4th!! Thanks, dear! 🙂
Cauliflower never ceases to amaze me! It’s so delicious, nourishing and is so darn versatile! Absolutely love this steak version, Annie, with your zippy tapenade. Beautiful, hearty, filling and so simple to make. What a wonderful meal after a busy day. Thank you for this! Looking forward to whippin it up! xo
Thanks, Traci! I hope you enjoy!! 🙂
Annie, I’m totally guilty of being one of those people who turn cauliflower (or attempt to) into everything. But, it’s only because I love it SO much. We are talking slightly obsessed. I have always had a head of it, in my fridge, for years. It’s a staple Of my diet. Hsowever, nothing can ever compare to preparing it, and embracing, it’s simplicity. Roasted florets, grilled thick slices… those will always remain My favorites. This looks seriously delish. 🙂 Cheers, girlie!
I know, I know… It’s so stinkin’ versatile! We can’t help but make all sorts of fun food with it! Haha! But like you, every once in a while I just need to let its true self shine! Thanks, dear!
This is great Annie!! Cauliflower have been very popular lately. I’m amazed how many way we can cook it. I need to try theses steaks. Looks delicious!!
Thank, Oriana! Part of its beauty certainly lies in its versatility! 🙂
Amen to giving Cauliflower back its identity! I made Cauliflower mashed potatoes recently and I wasn’t sold on it. I like cauliflower as-is! This looks great, love all the sun dried tomatoes too!
Yessss – this is good stuff! Glad you agree! Thanks, Katie!
You know, I do think some day I’ll eat meat only occasionally. It’s meals like this that just make me swoon. Brava, Annie!
This will do that!! Thanks, dear!
This looks so great Annie! I always disliked cauliflower until I discovered the wonders of roasting it, and now I can’t get enough! This tapenade sounds like it’d be a great addition to jazz it up 🙂
I agree… I can’t get enough roasted veggies! This tapenade definitely jazzes things up; would be good on most anything! Thanks, Maya!
What a wonderful idea, Annie! I absolutely love it!
I’ve recently discovered the joys of roasted cauliflower. It’s so delicious! Very keen to make this. In the meantime, pinning!!
I absolutely love roasted vegetables…could eat them everyday! Thanks for the pin, friend!
These look divine, Annie! I love the flavours – so tasty! 😀
Thanks, Jess!! 🙂
My daughter is vegetarian and cauliflower is her favorite vegetable. She will love this!
That makes me very happy! Enjoy!!