Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to bring a taste of the Middle East right into your kitchen. As someone who enjoys delving into a wide range of culinary adventures, I find immense joy in exploring the vibrant and aromatic flavors that the Middle Eastern cuisine offers. Our star ingredient for this delightful dish? Cauliflower. Often underrated, but oh so versatile!
We’ll be creating Zaatar Spiced Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with a luscious pomegranate molasses drizzle. It’s a recipe that’s not only delicious but also elevates cauliflower to something quite extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or simply seeking an exciting meal under the stars, this dish fits the bill. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, which is always a bonus in our household as my wife often enjoys experimenting with plant-based options.
Cauliflower might not seem like the typical choice for a main dish, but once grilled to perfection, it becomes tender and imbued with a smoky depth that complements the flavors of zaatar—a blend of herbs, spices, and sesame seeds popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. The addition of pomegranate molasses introduces a sweet and tangy note that keeps your palate wanting more with each bite.
Grilling the cauliflower steaks is straightforward. The transformation it undergoes on the grill is spectacular—turning from an ordinary vegetable into something beautifully charred and flavorful. And can we talk about those gorgeous grill marks?
This meal is rounded off with a garnish of fresh pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and toasted pine nuts, adding a lovely crunch and burst of freshness. Trust me, even if you’ve been a little skeptical about cauliflower in the past, this dish is bound to change your mind.
So fire up your grill, embrace the aromatic allure of zaatar, and enjoy a culinary journey across the Mediterranean. What’s more, it’s an excellent excuse to sprinkle a bit of culinary creativity into your weeknight dinners. Let me know how this dish fits into your cooking repertoire, and as always, happy cooking!
Bon appétit!
Ingredients
– 1 large cauliflower head, cut into 1-inch thick steaks
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons zaatar seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Method
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Prepare the cauliflower steaks by slicing the cauliflower head into 1-inch thick slices, making sure to keep the core intact so the slices hold together.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, zaatar seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Brush both sides of the cauliflower steaks with the seasoning mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Place the cauliflower steaks on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown with char marks and tender when pierced with a fork.
6. While the cauliflower is grilling, combine the pomegranate molasses and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl, mixing well.
7. Once the cauliflower steaks are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the pomegranate molasses mixture over the top.
8. Garnish the grilled cauliflower steaks with pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and toasted pine nuts if using.
9. Serve immediately while warm. Enjoy your taste of the Middle East with these Zaatar Spiced Grilled Cauliflower Steaks!
