Golden sweet and spicy cauliflower steaks with a cool, creamy Avocado Mint Chutney.
Cauliflower is a super versatile vegetable. It can and has been transformed into just about anything- mashed cauliflower “potatoes”, cauliflower “rice”, pizza crust and yes cauliflower “steaks”. Since it has a unique texture and subtle flavor pairs well with lots of different spices.
The bold flavor of harissa with the sweetness of maple syrup makes this recipe a standout. Harissa is a combination of paprika, caraway, chili pepper, cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, garlic, peppermint and sea salt in that order. It’s a staple in northern Africa and Middle Eastern cuisine. Find it ready made into a paste with olive oil or in a powder form, which I used in this recipe. If you are unable to find Harissa as a blended spice, you can always create your own harissa by blending your own spices.
Fear not the spice! This recipe can be made with different spices if you are not into spicy, substitute the harissa with smoked paprika, cumin and dried peppermint.
The Avocado Mint Chutney adds a layer of creamy freshness that is the perfect complement.
How does cauliflower do nutritionally?
When it comes to nutrition cauliflower it has some terrific health benefits. As a cruciferous vegetable- in the same family as broccoli, brussel sprouts- it is rich in glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, compounds which have been touted for their anti-carcinogen properties.
Cauliflower is high in fiber and pre-biotics, helping to feed the good bacteria in our gut, the probiotics. Fiber keeps our bowels moving along and is also responsible for satiety, it keeps us fuller for longer. Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C content, an mediator in anti-inflammatory processes and choline a nutrient involved in the health transmission of neurons to our brain.
The Avocado Mint Chutney is delivers some extra good fats, fiber and nutrients from the avocado that make it a “dish” it gives it some fullness, a delicious complement. Peppermint improves the flow of bile an acid that helps with the digestion of fats and has been known to ease indigestion and relax the stomach muscles.
Show me your creations!
As always if you make it let me see, with #sidebarnutrition. Have your own variation of this recipe or a tip for preparation? Comment below would love to hear from you!
Need help finding more ways to include nutrient dense foods in your diet check out these recipes Beetroot Lentil Dahl and Turmeric Fried Rice. Looking for more personalized nutrition coaching? Reach out I would love to work with you to create a plan to conquer your health goals.
With Love,
Jamie
- Cauliflower Steaks
- 1 small head cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon Harissa
- pinch of Salt & Pepper
- Avocado Mint Chutney
- ½ ripe avocado
- ½ cup mint leaves
- 1 jalapeños
- 3 garlic clove
- ½ lemon juiced
- ½ teaspoon honey
- pinch of salt
- Pre-heat oven to 400°
- Wash cauliflower head in cool water. Remove green stems and keep center stem intake while cutting. Slice cauliflower head into 1 ½ inch thick slices.
- In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, and harissa spice.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place cauliflower steaks on top.
- Drizzle oil, harissa maple syrup mixture onto of the cauliflower steaks.
- Place in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until cauliflower steaks turn golden brown.
- While cauliflower is roasting, add all ingredients for Avocado Mint Chutney to a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Serve cauliflower while still hot with a dollop of Avocado Mint Chutney.
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