What is it :)?
Have you ever heard of Romanesco? It’s like a cross between broccoli and cauliflower :).
I think it’s such a beautiful vegetable—the green is so vibrant, the texture is so fun and I love it’s pointy, little florets. They remind me of dinosaurs for some reason :). The best part of course is that it cooks easily and tastes delicious.
A versatile side dish
I’m hoping to make this for the holidays. Since most people have never heard of it, I love serving it when I have family and friends over as it’s a great conversation starter to begin dinner with :). However, it’s not always readily accessible. My local health food store (Mom’s Organics) sometimes has it and sometimes doesn’t, so it all depends on availability. Luckily, this recipe works really well with Cauliflower as well, so if there’s no Romanesco insight, cauliflower is my back up.
As I mentioned above, this recipe is super simple. It’s perfect as a fast, easy and beautiful side to a big dinner. And is equally awesome to add to a weeknight grain bowl. Just depends on what you’re in the mood to serve it with. ?
Enjoy!
Kajal
No one is a great cook, one learns by doing.
-Julia Childs
Bake Romanesco with Goat Cheese
4-6 ppl
Ingredients
- 1 big head of Romanesco (or Cauliflower), broken into 1 inch florets
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic pepper or asafetida
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/3 parsley, finely chopped
- 4 oz goat cheese (I like Trader Joe’s herbed goat cheese), crumbled
Directions
-
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F.
-
In a large bowl place florets and drizzle olive oil on top and toss so that all florets are covered with oil.
-
Add salt, garlic pepper and nutritional yeast over florets and toss thoroughly until well combined.
-
Place tossed and coated florets onto a baking sheet and sprinkle the top with parsley and crumbled goat cheese.
-
Bake for 20 minutes or until goat cheese is slightly browned.
-
Serve with rice, quinoa, pasta, mash potatoes or your favorite main course.
Notes
GLUTEN-FREE– this recipe is 100% gf!
VEGAN – to make vegan, replace goat cheese with an additional 1/3 cup nutritional yeast and toasted almonds when coating the florets. And once done baking, top with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Thank you Kajal- I’ve always marveled at the romanesco though knew nothing about it. I’m gong to try this recipe and am grateful for the guidance to try something new!
Awww, I’m so happy to hear this Jani! I most certainly hope it turns our delicious and that you enjoy it!