Cauliflower Popcorn - Roasted Cauliflower

Julesong's Note:

This is based on the recipe by Bob Blumer from the "Surreal Gourmet Bites" cookbook. This simple caramelization method transforms this much maligned veggie into a knock-your-socks-off side dish or sweet snack that you won't be able to get enough of!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 head cauliflower or 1 head equal amount of pre-cut commercially prepped cauliflower
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt , to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Trim the head of cauliflower, discarding the core and thick stems; cut florets into pieces about the size of ping-pong balls.
3. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil and salt, whisk, then add the cauliflower pieces and toss thoroughly.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup (you can skip that, if you don't have any) then spread the cauliflower pieces on the sheet and roast for 1 hour, turning 3 or 4 times, until most of each piece has turned golden brown.
5. (The browner the cauliflower pieces turn, the more caramelization occurs and the sweeter they'll taste).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
7. Where I got it: I originally heard about this recipe at Gail's Recipe Swap, where Josh posted it and many folks tried and loved it.

Reviews

[breezermom]

Delicious! I was scared they were burnt, but they tasted delicious. Next time I will reduce the cooking time a bit, and reduce the amount of salt....maybe just adding it at serving. But I have been reducing salt in my diet and am probably overly sensitive. I agree with earlier posters....do not cut the cauliflower into small sizes.....maybe a little larger than ping pong balls.....they really shrink up! The smaller ones dry up. Made for Best of 2010 Tag game! Congrats on being a Best of 2010 Recipe!!! Thanks for sharing.

[I<3butter!]

Excellent recipe! My husband and I gobbled up the whole batch ourselves! My favorite parts were the smaller crispier, almost burnt parts. Next time I'll cut the pieces smaller so that the whole batch is crispy. I'm also going to look for a popcorn seasoning mix to blend with the olive oil next time.

[mg9510]

This was awesome. It's my new favorite way to eat Cauliflower & my new favorite snack. I used garlic salt but I can't wait to try other flavored salts. I also put parmesan cheese on 1/2 the last 10 minutes. AWESOME