Roasted Cauliflower with Black Sesame Tarator and Charred Green Onion Chimichurri

Recipe Name

Prep Time: 25-35 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Black sesame tarator

• ⅓ cup black sesame paste
• ½ lemon, juiced, more to taste
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• Water, to loosen
• Salt, to taste

Roasted cauliflower

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Charred green onion chimichurri

• 1 bunch green onions
• 2 red hot peppers
• ½ cup parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup oregano, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2-3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt, to taste

To serve

• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

Directions:

1. BLACK SESAME TARATOR: In a medium bowl, combine the black sesame paste, juice of ½ lemon, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add in the water a tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition. Once it’s the desired consistency, adjust to taste for salt.
3. GREEN ONION CHIMICHURRI: Heat a large cast iron over high heat. Lightly toss the green onions and red pepper in olive oil. Add them to the hot pan and char on 1-2 sides. Use a weight to press down, if desired.
4. Remove from the pan. Once cooled slightly, chop the green onions and the charred red pepper. Combine with the parsley, oregano, garlic cloves, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season to taste with salt.
5. ROASTED CAULIFLOWER: Preheat the oven to 450 F. Place a large cast iron skillet to preheat.
6. Toss the florets in a bowl with 2 tbsp olive oil, a large sprinkle of salt and pepper, and the cumin. Sprinkle in the cornstarch, toss to combine.
7. When the oven is ready, remove the cast iron, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then drop in the cauliflower.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then flip the cauliflower and continue to cook until deeply golden in color, another 10-12 minutes.
9. ASSEMBLE: On a large plate, spoon the black sesame tarator. Pile the crispy cauliflower, then spoon over the charred scallion chimichurri and toasted pine nuts.