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Fırında Karnabahar - Turkish Cauliflower in Oven

Baked cauliflower casserole with a tomato sauce served on a plate with some yogurt on the side.

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4.5 from 10 reviews

Packed with the flavors of roasted cauliflower, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices, it's a healthy, easy-to-make dish perfect for any meal. It's a comforting, nutritious recipe that's sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, about 2 pounds, cut into small florets
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Set your oven to 180°C (356°F) to preheat.   
  2. Grab a medium-sized cauliflower and slice it into small florets.  
  3.  In a mixing bowl, combine chopped tomatoes (feel free to puree them if that's your preference), tomato paste, finely minced garlic, olive oil, a dash of salt, pepper, and chili powder, along with the juice from one lemon. To get everything nicely blended, add in half a cup of hot water and stir.
  4. Put the cauliflower florets in the sauce. Mix them with the tomato sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor. 
  5. Pour everything into a baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The goal is for the cauliflower to become tender and richly infused with the sauce. If it’s not quite soft enough after testing with a fork, give it up to 10 more minutes in the oven. 
  6. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

Storing

  • Cool Before Storing: Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing it.
  • Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it well in aluminum foil or freezer wrap. It will keep well for up to a month.

Reheating

  • Oven Reheating (Preferred): Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
  • Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat it in the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes. Be aware that microwaving might change the texture slightly.

Nutrition