Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Food

A Simple Recipe To Make Roasted Cauliflower Hummus

cauliflowerkrista.JPG
Photo by Krista Simmons/LAist

Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.

Cauliflower has become quite popular as of late, almost reaching cult status of kale. We've used the cruciferous veg to make gluten-free pizza crusts, roast it for an aloo gobi-type dish, as a substitute for vegan hot wings, and, now, as a substitute for hummus.

While perusing the new fall menu at Stella Barra, we noticed cauliflower hummus added to their app menu, and ever since, we've been wanting to take the idea for a spin in our own kitchen. (We've yet to try his version, but if it's anything like the rest of the veggies on Jeff Mahin's menu, chances are it's aces.)

There's not much different from cauliflower hummus and traditional Israeli hummus. The ingredients are basically the same, save for the roasted cauliflower—which in and of itself is a wonderful fall dish. Some recipes call for it blanched, but I love the caramelized, toasty flavor of the roasted version. Combined with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin, it's delicious enough to eat on its own, but even more fantastic in a dip. And it's lower in calories and higher in fiber than the original version.

Here's how it's done:

Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus 2 more for roasting cauliflower
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup tahini
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon water
kosher salt
pepper

Method

Sponsored message

In a mixing bowl, toss cauliflower with 2 tablespoons olive oil, cumin, and kosher salt. Make sure the florets are evenly coated. Place the cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet, then bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the cauliflower has caramelized and tender with a golden brown color. (Don't worry if some of the smaller florets look too toasty, they will taste fantastic!)

Let the cauliflower cool, then add it to a food processor with tahini, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, and water. Puree, then add salt and pepper to taste. If the consistency seems too thick, add a bit more water. You can garnish with pomegranates, if you've got em, as well as some cilantro or parsley and another drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside fresh veggies, pita, or crackers.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right