Yes, I am obsessed with cauliflower right now……..

It is truly one of the most under used and most underrated vegetables, yet so versatile.It’s amazing how meaty cauliflower can be. In this recipe, thick slices of cauliflower are treated as if they were steaks, searing thick planks and then topping them with a lemony verde like sauce. The lemon herb sauce would also be just as delicious on chicken, fish and on other assorted vegetables, like asparagus.

This recipe is quick and easy and just in time for “Meatless Mondays” and can be served with steamed rice and a nice tomato salad.

Serves 4

Ingredients:
For the Lemon-Herb Sauce:
1 cup parsley leaves
½ cup cilantro leaves
½ cup mint leaves
1/4 cup tarragon leaves
½ cup roughly chopped scallions
1 garlic clove, smashed
Juice of 1 lemon
⅓ cup olive oil

For the Cauliflower Steaks:
1 large head cauliflower
4 Tablespoons oil, divided
4 teaspoons smoked paprika
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup dry white wine

Directions:
Make the herb sauce: In a blender or food processor, pulse the parsley, cilantro, mint, green onion, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil until completely smooth. Set aside.

To make the cauliflower steaks: With a sharp knife, cut the cauliflower into 1-inch-thick slices yielding about 8 slices. Rub both sides of each piece of cauliflower with about 1 teaspoon olive oil. Sprinkle both sides of each piece with ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the cauliflower steaks until they are golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add the wine and cook until it is evaporated and the cauliflower is easily pierced with a knife, 3 to 5 minutes. The cauliflower should be easily pierced with a fork but not so tender that it falls apart.

To serve, place 2 cauliflower steaks on each plate and top with a generous drizzle of the lemon-herb sauce. Serve immediately.

Cook’s Note:
Any leftover lemon-herb sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.