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Lemon-Caper Cauliflower

ANYONE WHO’S COOKED WITH ME KNOWS I LOVE CAPERS. (If I had my way, I’d write a caper cookbook.) Here’s a dish I’ve made at home for years that we now sell at Pasta & Co. The rich flavor of cauliflower balances perfectly with the lemon and capers, while the red onion gives the dish a hint of color and a little crunch.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 to 6 as a side dish

Ingredients

1

head cauliflower (approximately 2 pounds), cut into 1 1/2-inch florets

1

/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1

/2 small red onion, minced

1

1/2 tablespoons capers, drained and mashed

2

tablespoons pureed preserved lemon (see Note)

1

1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2

1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

1

1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

1

/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook for 2 minutes, or until tender. (A fork should easily pierce the cauliflower but not break it apart.) Drain the cauliflower and rinse it under cold water.

    Step 2

    Combine the olive oil, onion, capers, preserved lemon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the cauliflower and mix well. Marinate for at least 1 hour at room temperature, tossing once or twice.

    Step 3

    Garnish with the parsley and serve at room temperature.

  2. Make Ahead

    Step 4

    The cauliflower will keep, covered, for 2 days in the refrigerator; toss it again before serving.

Pure Flavor