Cauliflower Steaks with Olive Relish and Tomato Sauce

A vegetarian main dish featuring thick-cut cauliflower steaks roasted to perfection, topped with a flavorful olive and sun-dried tomato relish, and served on a bed of homemade tomato sauce. This elegant preparation elevates humble cauliflower to a restaurant-worthy entrée.

4 servings
50 min

Ingredients

  • 1 head large head of cauliflower
  • ½ cup pitted oil-packed black olives
  • 3 whole sun-dried tomatoes
  • tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 whole plum tomatoes
  • cored
  • quartered

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Remove leaves and trim stem end of cauliflower, leaving core intact. Place cauliflower core side down on a work surface. Using a large knife, slice cauliflower into four 1/2" "steaks" from center of cauliflower (some florets will break loose; reserve). Finely chop enough loose florets to measure 1/2 cup. Transfer chopped florets to a small bowl and mix with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tablespoon oil, parsley, and lemon juice. Season relish with salt and pepper.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Preheat oven to 400°. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches, cook cauliflower steaks until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side, adding tablespoon oil to pan between batches. Transfer steaks to a large rimmed baking sheet. Reserve skillet. Roast cauliflower until tender, about 15 minutes.

    20 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, return skillet to medium-high heat and add garlic cloves and tomatoes, one cut side down. Cook until tomatoes are browned; turn tomatoes over and transfer skillet to oven with cauliflower. Roast garlic and tomatoes until tender, about 12 minutes.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Transfer garlic, tomatoes, and 1/2 tablespoon oil to a blender; purée until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Divide tomato sauce among plates. Place 1 cauliflower steak on each plate; spoon relish over. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    5 min

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