Coming up with family dinners can sometimes be a challenge, since my husband doesn't eat meat. My boys, however, love their meat, so these roasted cauliflower steaks topped with white beans are a great compromise. Serve with a big green salad on the side and Italian bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. (If you follow a vegan eating plan, don't add the Parmesan cheese.)
Ingredients
One medium-size cauliflower, cut into three to four, 1-inch-thick whole slices (about 6 ounces per slice), plus remaining florets
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1½ teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided
1 clove garlic, minced
One 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
¾ cup marinara sauce
Optional: Grated vegan Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the cauliflower on the baking sheet, and brush the “steaks” and florets with 2 teaspoons of the oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Roast until lightly caramelized and the cauliflower is almost cooked through, about 18 minutes. Gently flip over each “steak” and floret and brush with 1 more teaspoon of the oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the thyme, a pinch of salt and pepper, and roast until well caramelized and the cauliflower stems are cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a medium-size skillet over medium low heat. Add the garlic, and cook 30 to 60 seconds, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Mix in the beans, marinara sauce, and the remaining ½ teaspoon thyme, and cook, stirring frequently, until heated through and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
Top the cauliflower with the beans and serve. Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan cheese as desired.