Broccoli Romanesco or Cauliflower “steaks” with salsa verde
Broccoli romano, also known as broccoli romanesco, is probably my favorite vegetable (although artichokes are a close second). It’s not easy to find it here in the states, but occasionally I see it at farmers’ markets or even in my supermarket. When that happens, I don’t hesitate to buy it, even though it’s a bit pricey.
Aside from the taste, which is more like cauliflower than broccoli, it’s just a beautiful vegetable that is an exquisite example of fractals (go look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls – [if it still exists] – I guess I should say look that up in Wikipedia!)
In any event, even if you can’t find broccoli romano, you can make this recipe using cauliflower, which is easy to find in the markets.
First cut off the leaves and trim the stem, then slice into pieces about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick.
Smear with some good olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, then place it in the oven at high heat while you chop up herbs and other goodies for the salsa verde.
Flip the “steaks” over half way through cooking. If it’s getting too browned, lower the temperature.
Place on a platter then spoon the sauce over it.
Served with some quinoa and glazed carrots, it made for a colorful and delicious vegetarian dinner. For once, I didn’t miss the real meat.
Broccoli Romano “steaks” with salsa verde
1 head of broccoli romano (romanesco)
1/4 cup olive oil (plus more to brush on surface of broccoli romano)
juice of 1/2 lemon (or more if your lemon is small), plus a small piece of the lemon rind
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 T. red onion, minced
2 T. capers
fresh parsley, minced (about 3 or 4 T.)
salt, pepperPreheat oven to 425 degrees. Slice the broccoli romano – or cauliflower if you can’t find the broccoli romano – into pieces between 1/4″ and 1/2 ” thick. Smear them with olive oil, then sprinkle on some salt and freshly ground pepper.
Place them in the oven for about 15 minutes – flipping over once (and repeating the olive oil, salt and pepper).Take them out of the oven when they feel tender to the fork, or when you can easily pierce them with a knife. Depending on how thick you sliced them, they’ll need more time (or maybe less if they’re thinner than mine).
While they are cooking, make the salsa, by mincing the lemon rind, garlic, onion, capers and parsley. Add the olive oil, plus the lemon juice, and a little salt and pepper and stir everything together. Spoon the salsa verde over the broccoli romano or cauliflower steaks.
Place them in the oven for about 15 minutes – flipping over once (and repeating the olive oil, salt and pepper).Take them out of the oven when they feel tender to the fork, or when you can easily pierce them with a knife. Depending on how thick you sliced them, they’ll need more time (or maybe less if they’re thinner than mine).
While they are cooking, make the salsa, by mincing the lemon rind, garlic, onion, capers and parsley. Add the olive oil, plus the lemon juice, and a little salt and pepper and stir everything together. Spoon the salsa verde over the broccoli romano or cauliflower steaks.
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Such a delicious dish! I could eat that right now.
Cheers,
Rosa
What an interesting looking vegetable. I don't think I've seen it but to be truthful I haven't been looking for it. Looks like I've got something to find. Looks and sounds delicious.
looks so good….I love that salsa verde on everything!
That looks so delicious Linda and a beautiful way to serve the romanesco
Briliant! I bought a head of romanesco over the weekend and have been debating what to do with it. Now I know what's for dinner tonight…
Looks fabulous! I don't think folks realize how meaty cauliflower steaks can be! I am starting to see the Romanesco variety more often now. Thanks for sharing this great recipe.
Velva- Tomatoes on the Vine
I've had romanesco on our travels in Europe but I've never seen it at our markets here in Florida. I know your dish will be delicious with cauliflower, just not as pretty.
Linda, this is brilliant and on the list of items to serve my vegetarian daughter when she is home next week for spring break. Thank you so much.
adoro le verdure invernali e questa ricetta ha un aspetto molto invitante, la proverò ! Un abbraccio Linda
Hi Linda – love how you present this, fanned out on the platter…and the salsa verde sounds great too.
Something I will definitely make. Pinning it to my board "Now This Could Be Dinner Tonight!"
LL
We are trying to eat more plant based meals and this looks very satisfying and delicious! I rarely find broccoli romanesco here, but, like you, I always buy it when I see it.
I could eat broccoli and cauliflower every day and roasting is my favorite way to make both. Every now and then I see the romanesco variety. It's so pretty! Your recipe sounds great, Linda!
Oh man! I never see it in Minnesota. That is mouth-watering – and I do go for 1-2 vegetarian meals a week. Want. Feeling deprived but the photos helped!