Toasted Cauliflower with Red Onion, Dates, and Creamy Toscano Cheese
Whether you serve this as an appetizer, tapa, or side dish to your meal, you will have happy diners! This dish balances the sweet and savory so nicely. A little drizzle of Santa Cruz County's Bella Farms Lemon Olive Oil is a special treat both inside and on top!
Servings 4- 6 servings
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 15 minutesmins
Equipment
1 large cast iron or heavy bottomed skillet with cover
Ingredients
2tablespoonsolive oilextra virgin
2tablespoonsBella Farms Lemon Olive Oil substitute plain olive oil or another lemon olive oil, divided
4cupsbite sized pieces of cauliflower
¼red onion, sliced and 1" long pieces
1 large clovegarlic, minced
¼cup dry white wine
2 tablespoonswater
¼lemon, juice squeezed
5-6 pitted dates, sliced
⅓cupCreamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah, Manchego, Goat Cheese, Feta, or dairy free cheesegrated, crumbled, or chunked
sprinkleof paprika, sweet or smoked, gf, to top
½tablespoonparsley, to top
1tablespoonhoney, optional
Instructions
In a large skillet or cast iron, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the lemon olive oil. Add the cauliflower and saute to toast. Add 1-2 tablespoons water to the skillet. Cover and steam the cauliflower for a few minutes, until it's softened slightly. Remove to a bowl.
Saute the red onion and garlic in remaining olive oil, reserving the remainder of the Lemon Olive Oil. Stir and saute until the onion is softened and beginning to caramelize.
Pour in the white wine and toss the cauliflower back in. Stir to reduce the wine.
To plate: Scoop the cauliflower, onion and garlic to a serving dish. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top. Top with date slices, grated or crumbled cheese, parsley, sprinkle of paprika. Finish with a drizzle of the Lemon Olive Oil. Add a drizzle of honey if you like.
Notes
This dish will be a great addition to any meal. It could simply be a delicious grilled steak or pork tenderloin. Since it has so many flavors in the dish, something simple might work best. See what you think. Easy to make, but shows some effort!