Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Goat Cheese

This dish has become a signature of Domenica chef Alon Shaya.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Goat Cheese

  • Servings: 6 servings

Precooking the cauliflower in seasoned poaching liquid infuses it with flavor; roasting makes it crisp.

Ingredients


Roasted Cauliflower

  • 2 1/2 cups dry white wine
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 head of cauliflower, leaves removed


Whipped Goat Cheese and Assembly

  • 4 oz fresh goat cheese
  • 3 oz cream cheese
  • 3 oz feta
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more for serving
  • Coarse sea salt (for serving)

Directions


Roasted Cauliflower

  • Preheat oven to 475°. Bring wine, oil, kosher salt, juice, butter, red pepper flakes, sugar, bay leaf, and 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot.
  • Add cauliflower, reduce heat, and simmer, turning occasionally, until a knife easily inserts into center, 15-20 minutes.
  • Using 2 slotted spoons or a mesh spider, transfer cauliflower to a rimmed baking sheet, draining well. Roast, rotating sheet halfway through, until brown all over, 30-40 minutes.


Whipped Goat Cheese and Assembly

  • While cauliflower is roasting, blend goat cheese, cream cheese, feta, cream, and 2 tablespoons oil in a food processor until smooth; season with sea salt. Transfer whipped goat cheese to a serving bowl and drizzle with oil.
  • Transfer cauliflower to a plate. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with whipped goat cheese.

  • Whipped goat cheese can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.