Are you tired of boring, bland vegetable dishes that make you dread dinnertime? Prepare to have your taste buds revolutionized by this mouthwatering Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Cauliflower Sauce with Garlicky Greens! This game-changing recipe transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that's not just healthy, but incredibly delicious. With a perfect balance of roasted vegetables, fiery spices, and creamy texture, this dish will make you fall in love with vegetables all over again.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups kale or spinach
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Chop the cauliflower into uniform florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even roasting.
- If not already roasted, char the red bell peppers directly over a gas flame or under the broiler, turning occasionally until the skin is completely blackened. Place in a covered bowl to steam for 10 minutes, then peel off the charred skin.
- Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until edges are golden brown and crispy.
- While cauliflower roasts, heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add kale or spinach to the skillet, cooking until wilted and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
- In a blender, combine roasted cauliflower, roasted red peppers, additional salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a little water or vegetable broth if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to preference.
- Serve the roasted red pepper cauliflower sauce over the garlicky greens, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Roasting is Key: Ensure your cauliflower and peppers are evenly roasted for maximum flavor development. Golden brown edges mean caramelization and deeper taste.
- Pepper Roasting Hack: If you don't have a gas flame, use your oven's broiler to char bell peppers quickly and efficiently.
- Consistency Matters: When blending the sauce, add liquid gradually to achieve your desired smoothness. Some prefer a thicker sauce, others a more pourable consistency.
- Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance. Start conservative and add more if needed.
- Green Variations: While the recipe suggests kale or spinach, feel free to experiment with Swiss chard or collard greens for different nutritional profiles.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making meal prep a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
