Cauliflower 'steaks' with green salsa

Ok so yes they are a fad,  but actually, this recipe proves they aren't just a trendy meat replacement. Roasting veg is the perfect way of injecting a bit more flavour into relatively plain tasting veg, it brings out the sweetness and is a great flavour carrier for lots of spices, I also use the cauliflower leaves which are fantastic roasted. The green salsa I serve with this is also really delicious and takes about 1 minute to make! 

Serves 4

1 x extra large cauliflower/2 x small cauliflowers with leaves

1 x tbsp smoked paprika

1 x tsp ground cumin 

1 x tsp ground coriander

1 x tsp dried mint 

1 x tsp garlic powder 

S + P to taste 

Toasted breadcrumbs with herbs (optional)

Green salsa, 

1 x large bunch of coriander 

1 x tbsp olive oil

2 x small garlic cloves 

1/4 x red chilli (seeds in or out)

1 x whole lime, zested + juiced

1 x tsp maple syrup

S + P to taste 

Water 

Preheat oven to 180'c 

Take the cauliflower and snap off the leaves and add to a roasting tin, drizzle with olive oil with salt and pepper, move to one side. Very carefully slice the cauliflower into four steaks and place in a ziplock bag with spices and olive oil, maple syrup and give it all a good rub. Place in a large roasting tin with another drizzle of olive oil. Put your cauliflower steaks in the oven and roast for 20 minutes, after 10 minutes put the cauliflower leaves in, don't be scared of them they are delicious once roasted! 

While your cauliflower cooks, in a jug place all the coriander with half the stalks included, add the rest of the ingredients and get a stick blender to blend to a smooth paste, (you can do this in a processor of course), add extra water as required, season and set aside. 

Remove your cauliflower from the oven; you know its ready when a knife will pierce the centre easily. Pop a few steaks on each plate top with some of the green salsa and breadcrumbs if you are using them. I served this with simple tomato salad and cucumber salad, along with the roasted cauliflower leaves.  

Enjoy x