Winter Herb and Lemon Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Spiced Pumpkin Seed Salsa - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Winter Herb and Lemon Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Spiced Pumpkin Seed Salsa

Ready to transform simple cauliflower into something truly special? These Winter Herb and Lemon Roasted Cauliflower Steaks are zesty, hearty, and perfectly paired with a smoky, spiced pumpkin seed salsa. It's cozy, vibrant, and oh-so-delicious—let's get cooking!

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Ready to take your cauliflower game to a whole new level? Let’s talk about these Winter Herb and Lemon Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Spiced Pumpkin Seed Salsa. You might be thinking, "Cauliflower? Really?" But trust me on this one. These hearty steaks are roasted to golden perfection with citrusy lemon and earthy winter herbs, then topped with a smoky, slightly fiery pumpkin seed salsa that’s got just the right amount of crunch. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is shockingly easy to whip up on a chilly Wednesday night. Grab your apron because this is the kind of cozy-cool dish that makes winter evenings worthwhile.

Winter Herb and Lemon Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Spiced Pumpkin Seed Salsa Recipe

Now, let’s dive into what makes this recipe shine (and trust me, it does shine). The cauliflower steaks soak up a marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a handful of seasonal herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary—basically everything that smells amazing on a cold day. Then there’s the salsa: a vibrant mix of toasted pumpkin seeds, smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, and a hint of honey for balance. It’s smoky, spicy, sweet, and just crunchy enough to make every bite irresistible. The contrast between the mellow roasted cauliflower and the bold salsa is a match made in culinary heaven. Plus, it’s a great way to use those pumpkin seeds you’ve been eyeing in your pantry all season.

This dish is not only delicious but also super versatile. Serve the cauliflower steaks as the star of a veggie-forward meal alongside a simple grain like quinoa or farro, or pair them with grilled protein for a balanced dinner. Want to switch it up? Try mixing some lime zest into the salsa for a citrus twist or sprinkling a little feta on top for a salty kick. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll start thinking of cauliflower as anything but boring. So go ahead, roast up some winter magic, and prepare to wow your taste buds (and your dinner guests!).

Keywords: roasted cauliflower steak recipe, winter herb cauliflower, lemon roasted vegetables recipe, spiced pumpkin seed salsa, vegetarian winter dinner ideas, smoky cauliflower steak ideas

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Modern American

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, trimmed and cut into 1-inch steaks
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 small red chili, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks. You should get about 4-5 pieces from a large head of cauliflower.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

  4. 4

    Brush the cauliflower steaks on both sides with the herb and lemon marinade, ensuring they are well coated.

  5. 5

    Place the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

  6. 6

    While the cauliflower is roasting, prepare the pumpkin seed salsa. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted pumpkin seeds, smoked paprika, ground cumin, red chili, honey, cilantro, and green onions. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mix well.

  7. 7

    Once the cauliflower steaks are done, transfer them to a serving platter and spoon the spiced pumpkin seed salsa generously over the top.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately as a main course or alongside a grain or protein of your choice.

Nutrition Information

Calories

250 calories

Protein

6g

Carbs

17g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

A: While fresh cauliflower is preferred for this recipe to achieve the best texture and presentation, you can use frozen cauliflower if necessary. However, frozen cauliflower may not hold its shape as well when cut into steaks, and it may release more water during roasting. Make sure to thaw and pat it dry thoroughly before marinating and roasting.

Q: What can I substitute for pumpkin seeds in the salsa?

A: If you don't have pumpkin seeds, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, or even toasted pine nuts. These alternatives will provide a similar crunch and nuttiness. Just ensure they are roasted for the best flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the cauliflower steaks from falling apart?

A: To keep the cauliflower steaks intact, make sure to cut the steaks from the center of the cauliflower head, keeping the stem attached to each piece. Handle them gently during flipping, and use a wide spatula to support the steaks fully. If smaller pieces break off, you can roast them alongside the steaks and serve as extra crispy bites.

Q: Can I make the recipe vegan?

A: Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan. Simply replace the honey in the pumpkin seed salsa with a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store leftover cauliflower steaks and pumpkin seed salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through. The salsa can be served cold or at room temperature.

Q: Can I prepare any components of this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin seed salsa up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cauliflower steaks can also be marinated a few hours ahead and kept covered in the fridge until ready to roast. This will save time when assembling the dish.

Q: What can I serve alongside the roasted cauliflower steaks?

A: These cauliflower steaks pair wonderfully with quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad for a light meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted potatoes, wild rice, or a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas. The bold flavors of the spiced pumpkin seed salsa complement a variety of sides.

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