We all need fast food. I especially crave quick, healthy meals when I’m knee-deep in testing dessert recipes or reviewing products in sweet applications.
Yet when I don’t have the resources to cook, I generally also don’t have the resources to decide what to cook. And so I jumped on a local Buy Nothing giveaway of 50 Food Network magazines for inspiration.
Cauliflower Parmesan
In their March/April 2023 issue, Food Network printed a feature entitled “Meat-Free Makeovers”. There were vegan options! But it was their dairy-laden Cauliflower Parmesan recipe that caught my attention.
Having recently completed a review of shredded vegan mozzarella, I knew what to do to uphold both their publication and my lifestyle.
florets or steaks?
yes.
Cauliflower florets are faster and more economical; however, steaks are more formal. Besides the flavors and nutrition in this dish, I love that it can be a speedy supper or elegant entrée. Make it whenever, however you need!
Veganization: Cauliflower Parmesan, 2 Ways
Description
Serve a casual casserole of cauliflower florets, or an elegant entrée of steak cuts.
Whichever you choose, save the cauliflower leaves and core(s) for Zero-Waste Vegetable Stock. And try my Creamy Whole-Lemon Hummus for dipping any stray florets!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Optionally, prepare breadcrumbs and marinara.
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Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment.
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Remove cauliflower leaves and core.
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FLORETS: Cut trimmed cauliflower into 1 to 2-bite pieces. Transfer to a large bowl.
STEAKS: Slice each head 6 times as though anticipating 7 steaks per head. However, expect first and last 2 slices to fall apart. Set 6 intact steaks on prepared baking sheet. (Save fallen florets for snacking.)
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Melt butter, then combine with olive oil. In a separate vessel, stir together breadcrumbs and nutritional yeast.
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FLORETS: Toss to coat with "butter"-oil mixture followed by nutritional yeast mixture. Evenly spread on prepared baking sheet.
STEAKS: Liberally brush both sides of each steak with "butter"-oil mixture. Press half nutritional yeast mixture on top of steaks, then flip and repeat.
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Bake 25-35 minutes, until thickest piece is fork-tender.
If planning to serve over pasta, now is the time to make it! -
FLORETS ONLY: Move to a preferably broiler-safe casserole dish. If no broiler-safe dish, increase oven to 500°F/260°C.
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Evenly distribute marinara and "cheese" in that order. Broil 1-3 minutes, until "cheese" is fully melted. Alternatively, bake another 3-5 minutes at 500°F/260°C.
Not all vegan cheeses brown! Keep oven light on to monitor against burning. -
Serve as desired. Finish with torn parsley leaves.
Note
Read why I recommend Country Crock, Miyoko's, and Daiya. (I'm not affiliated, simply committed to reporting what works.)
