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–+ servings

Cauliflower a Diavola

5 | 4 reviews
I named this after the Italian term: "a Diavola," which means, "of the devil." I chose that name not because of the recipe's heat, but because of how rich and "sinful" this tomatoey, charred cauliflower can be. It feels unfairly delicious for how simple it is, but isn't that how all vegetable side dishes should be?
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 3 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower, 32 ounces
  • 5 small Calabrian chilies, or 2 tablespoons jarred chopped Calabrian chilies
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Italian basil, for topping

Instructions 

  1. Remove the core from the cauliflower and cut the head into small florets, each about the size of a cherry. Set aside.
  2. Chop up the 5 Calabrian chilies into nearly a paste. Grate the 4 garlic cloves on a rasp-style grater. Set both aside.
  3. Place a large sauté pan over medium heat and add 1/4 cup of olive oil. Let this heat up for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the cauliflower to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until the cauliflower begins to darken and char.
  5. Add the garlic and chilies to the cauliflower. Mix everything together well and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant.
  6. Add the tomato paste directly to the pan. Roughly mix it into the cauliflower, letting it cook and darken a shade in color, 4-5 minutes. Continue to cook, adding up to 1/2 cup of water in splashes. Add a splash of water every few minutes or so, this will help the tomato paste cling to the cauliflower.
  7. Season with a generous pinch or two of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Mix, taste and add more as preferred.
  8. When the cauliflower begins to deeply darken and the tomato paste starts to caramelize at the edges of the florets, then the cauliflower is ready to serve. Top with a few leaves of Italian basil, and serve alongside any protein and carb you love.