Spicy Sicilian Cauliflower

I spent last weekend in Palm Springs, soaking up the sun, practicing my karaoke rendition of “Believe” by Cher, and eating my weight in avocados that hadn’t traveled all the way across the country. It was hot, like, 103 degrees hot, but dry and breezy and perfect. I started to get very excited for summer back home, and all the foods, fun cocktails, and beach days that come with it. But now that I’m back in New York and the temperature is in the low fifties and the forecast is calling for nothing but rain, rain, and more rain, I’m settling for spring instead of summer.

This Spicy Sicilian Cauliflower is a recipe I make year-round, but I especially like it in the spring when the weather finally warms up and I find myself wanting lighter and brighter foods.  It’s full of punchy flavors – briny capers, red pepper flakes, toasted pine nuts, golden raisins and lots of fresh parsley, with a splash of vinegar to complete the classic Southern Italian combination of savory, spicy, acidic, and sweet elements.

Let’s just say, this is not your mom’s roasted cauliflower (no offense, Mom!) One of my favorite things to do is take a simple roasted vegetable and spice it up with a lot of bold and fresh flavors. It takes just a little extra effort and turns a same-old vegetable into a dinner party-worthy side dish. My Hot Honey Roasted Carrots and Crunchy Thai Brussels Sprouts recipes are also good examples of this technique (if you can call it that), but this cauliflower is my current favorite.

This is a great recipe to have in your back pocket for entertaining for a few reasons. First, and most importantly, it tastes really good.  Cauliflower is being used in everything from pizza crust to rice to smoothies at the moment, and it’s nice to remember that it’s also absolutely delicious in its original vegetable form! Second, this is a really versatile side dish. I’ve served it with everything from salmon to roast chicken, steak and even grilled Italian sausages (washed down with a glass of crisp, dry white wine.)  And finally,  for the most part, everyone can eat it. It’s vegan, gluten-free, dairy free, and nut-free if you omit the pine nuts. Your hard-to-cook-for-friends will thank you, and if they ask for the recipe, send them here!

Print Recipe
4 from 7 votes

Spicy Sicilian Cauliflower

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower (2½-3 pounds)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup golden raisins
  • 1 tablespoon champagne or white wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  • Trim the leaves from the cauliflower, remove the core, and cut the cauliflower into medium-size florets. On a sheet pan, toss the cauliflower with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Roast for 25 to 35 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until tender and browned.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the capers, raisins, and vinegar and set aside.
  • When the cauliflower is done, add the caper mixture, parsley, pine nuts, and red pepper flakes to the sheet pan. Toss well, sprinkle generously with salt, then transfer to a shallow dish or platter and serve.
    Note: To toast pine nuts, place them in a small sauté pan set over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, tossing often, until lightly browned and toasted. Don’t be tempted to look away or multitask. That’s exactly when the pine nuts will decide to start burning.
    Copyright 2019, Lidey Heuck, All Rights Reserved
15 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is one of my all time favorite recipes! The flavors meld so beautifully. Lidey – is there anyway I can make this in advance for a party Christmas night? (No time to prepare it hot from oven). I think it would still taste great at room temperature but any tips on whether this would work and if so, how?

    Reply

  10. I tried this one out last night and it is delicious! It’s a keeper and will make it into the regular repertoire. I cut back on the amount of salt suggested and the cooking time… and still I could have shorten it slightly more.

    Thank you for sharing this Liddy!

    Susan

    Reply

  12. Dear Lidey,

    This recipe was a GIANT hit! Cauliflower is being done so many bland ways and this was such a spectacular side dish. My husband, a meat an potatoes man, really loved it. Win, win! The flavors were so unique and had so much depth that it paired beautifully with a beef main course. All the neighbors loved it, too – I try out my recipes on them!

    Thank you so much!

    Reply

    1. Hi Patti! I’m so glad you and your husband enjoyed this recipe!! It is definitely not a boring vegetable side dish!! Thanks for following 🙂
      Lidey

      Reply

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