Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This simple yet delicious roasted cauliflower dish combines crispy edges with the rich flavors of pesto and Parmesan. Perfect as a side dish or a light snack, it's easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, separated into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the cauliflower evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Set the bowl aside.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time, until golden and crispy on the edges.
5. Transfer the hot cauliflower back to the bowl and toss with pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 123
• Total Fat: 10g (13% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (10% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 4mg (1% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 202mg (9% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g (2% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 4g (8% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 41mg (46% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 83mg (6% Daily Value)
• Iron: 0mg (2% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 200mg (4% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutrient information is based on available data for the listed ingredients. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Recipe by France Cevallos

Origin and History

The idea of roasting cauliflower is not new, as the vegetable has been used in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. However, this particular dish, Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower, draws on the traditional Italian pesto, a blend of basil, garlic, and pine nuts, which is often combined with Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Pesto has its roots in Genoa, Italy, where it was first made using a mortar and pestle, which is how it got its name. The combination of pesto and Parmesan with roasted cauliflower is a modern take on classic Italian flavors, creating a savory, aromatic, and crispy side dish that complements many types of main courses.

Regional Characteristics

While cauliflower is grown globally, the addition of pesto and Parmesan gives this dish a distinctly Italian twist. Pesto itself has many regional variations, but the version most commonly associated with this dish is the traditional Genoese pesto, made with fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The combination of these ingredients with roasted cauliflower provides a flavor profile that is rich, herbal, and tangy. This dish is also versatile, making it popular in many parts of the world, especially in places where Italian cuisine has a strong influence.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower stands out due to its unique combination of roasted vegetables, fresh pesto, and grated Parmesan cheese. While roasted cauliflower is often served simply with olive oil and seasoning, the addition of pesto and Parmesan elevates the dish to something much more flavorful and satisfying. Similar dishes might include roasted cauliflower with just cheese or garlic, but the pesto adds a fresh, vibrant herbal flavor that is typically not found in more basic cauliflower preparations. Additionally, the use of pesto gives the dish a creamy, fragrant quality that contrasts nicely with the crispy texture of the cauliflower.

Where Its Typically Served

Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower is commonly served as a side dish in both casual and more formal dining settings. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats and fish to vegetarian dishes. This dish is particularly popular in Mediterranean-inspired meals, where the fresh and bold flavors of basil pesto complement other Italian staples. It is also commonly found on the menus of modern bistros and healthy restaurants that focus on seasonal, plant-based dishes. Its versatility makes it an excellent accompaniment for a variety of meal occasions, from a family dinner to a special gathering.

Interesting Facts

• Cauliflower is a highly nutritious vegetable, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Its known for being a great low-carb substitute for grains and legumes.
• Roasting cauliflower enhances its natural sweetness and brings out its nuttiness, creating a richer flavor than when its cooked in other ways.
• Pesto, originally a Ligurian dish, was first made with basil, garlic, and pine nuts. Over time, variations using different herbs and nuts have become popular worldwide.
• The addition of Parmesan in pesto is a classic Italian touch, adding a salty, umami flavor that complements the brightness of the basil and the richness of the olive oil.
• While the traditional pesto uses pine nuts, many modern recipes substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds to accommodate various dietary needs or availability of ingredients.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, separated into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread cauliflower evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Set the bowl aside.
3. Roast in the preheated oven until golden and crispy on the edges, 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.
4. Transfer hot cauliflower back to the bowl and toss with pesto and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 123 kcal
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbs: 6 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: 202 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 4 mg

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