Whole30 Cauliflower Nirvana

February 2, 2019

There are so many Whole30 recipes that I’d love to try, but I have only limited access to some of the ingredients. The dishes I enjoy whenever I am on Whole30, they are mostly the dishes I’ve made before. I make new dishes if I can access all the listed ingredients.

One of the dishes I keep making when I want to eat something healthy is Elaine’s Cauliflower Nirvana. Elaine, if you haven’t met her yet, is such a wonderful friend and she makes gorgeous sourdough along with so many mouth-watering dishes. Just take a look at her Instagram account.

Going back to this wonderful dish…

If you are familiar with Whole30, you know that sugar and non-compliant mayo is not allowed. Since I love cauliflower and I LOVE THIS DISH A LOT, I need to do something to make it Whole30.

First, the mayo. The solution is homemade mayo. Check.

Second, the sugar. The only thing I know I can use to replace the brown sugar is to use a date paste (that should be homemade, too), but I don’t think I’ll be patient enough to make it. Although I haven’t tried, well, better not try this time. Ugh, the impatient girl. So, no to paste. Just dates.

Lastly, I changed the measurements of the ingredients according to my taste. I’ve experimented few times until I got the right measurements.

To make the marinade, I soaked pitted dates in hot water for 30 minutes just to soften them. Along with the other ingredients, I added the dates with 2 tbsp of the soaking water to a blender. When everything is blended and smooth, I transferred the mixture to a bowl and added the olive oil, then mixed everything using a wire whisk. “Jhuls, why you didn’t add the oil in the blender?” The answer is – the jar of my blender is not that big, so I don’t think it will accommodate the oil as well. Now, it’s time to marinate the cauliflower and garlic – so exciting!

Note: I did not cover the baking dish with foil when I made these. When I tried before, the florets didn’t look so pretty. When I said not pretty, it means they didn’t get that “charred look”. You know your oven well, so the fate of the florets is in your hands. Make sure to visit Elaine’s recipe.

I am bringing this dish at Angie’s Fiesta Friday #261. Thank you to our wonderful co-hosts, Antonia @ Zoale.com and Julianna @ Foodie on Board.

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Whole30 Cauliflower Nirvana

Cauliflower Nirvana is a dish you’ll not get tired of eating. It is so good you’d want to polish off everything all by yourself. 

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Author Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 2 bulbs garlic peeled
  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 125 ml (1/2) cup hot water
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tsp harissa
  • 2 tbsp homemade mayo / Whole30 approved mayo
  • 200 ml olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a heatproof bowl, add pitted dates and water. Leave for 30 minutes.
  2. In a baking dish, add cauliflower florets and garlic. Set aside.
  3. Drain the dates, but keep 2 tbsp of the soaking water.

  4. In a blender, add dates, 2 tbsp of the soaking water and the rest of the ingredients except cauliflower and garlic. Puree until mixture becomes smooth.

  5. Pour the mixture over the cauliflower and garlic. Mix and try to coat evenly.

  6. Cover the baking dish with cling film and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. (This step is optional, but HIGHLY recommended.)

  7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 F and remove the baking dish from the fridge.

  8. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour (see notes) or until fork tender.

Recipe Notes

I did not cover the baking dish with foil when I made these. When I tried before, the florets didn’t look so pretty. When I said not pretty, it means they didn’t get that “charred look”. You know your oven well, so the fate of the florets is in your hands. Make sure to visit Elaine’s recipe.


Before you go…

Whether you are doing the Whole30 or not, this Tahini Marinated Chicken Thighs will be one of your favorites! I have only tried this with cauliflower fried rice, but I am sure this would be perfect with bread. 😉


Thanks a bunch for spending your precious time with me!
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