Pan Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon and Capers

Since I started treating my Rheumatoid Arthritis with whole foods, I practically live on veggies. I'm always looking for new combinations of flavors so I don't get bored. Lemon and capers add a real "pop-zing!" to anything you add them to so they are an integral part of my cooking arsenal. Pan roasting is a favorite cooking method for veggies because the direct heat causes them to caramelize on their exterior while keeping the overall texture al dente. I could never, would never, eat a mushy vegetable, and you shouldn't either. Caramelization increases the flavor profile too, so say good bye to bland veggies!

This recipe is flexible. If you don't like cremini mushrooms then substitute shiitakes or just don't use them. If capers are not a favorite then pick another flavor-packed aromatic or toss in some red onion. If walnuts aren't your thing, try pine nuts instead. This recipe is equally delish with broccoli instead of cauliflower. But if you've only had cauliflower raw at the salad bar, or over-cooked and mushy, please give it another try cooked with this method, it's SO GOOD! Don't get locked into the recipe, use what you have on hand, use ingredients you love, but follow the basic method for pan roasting.

As far as quantities, you can scale up for a larger batch, just make sure you don't crowd the pan (see TIPS, below). I would eat this entire recipe myself for dinner, but it would serve 2 or more as a side dish. If you can eat sheep's milk cheese, Pecorino Romano is the perfect finishing touch, grated right over the top.

Pan Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon and Capers

2+     Tablespoons olive oil, separated
10     Cremini mushrooms, stems removed, sliced
6       Liconato Kale leaves, washed, stems removed and chopped
2       Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1       Tablespoon capers
3       Cups cauliflower florets, bite sized pieces
1/4    Cup walnuts, coarse chop
6       Cloves oven roasted garlic (substitute 3 cloves fresh garlic if oven roasted is not available)
         Salt & Pepper to taste
         Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano, if desired

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and saute until browned, stirring every minute or so. Meanwhile, combine the kale, lemon juice, and capers in a small bowl and set aside while cooking your veggies. Heat the remaining olive oil in a second pan over medium heat and add the cauliflower (or do this after the mushrooms finish cooking, using the same pan). Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid to hold in the heat, shaking the pan to move around the cauliflower every couple of minutes. After five minutes remove the lid to make sure your cauliflower is starting to brown, adjust the heat if necessary. Add the garlic and continue cooking until cauliflower is nicely caramelized and fork tender but still al dente, about 15 minutes depending on your pan and burners. Toss in the nuts and allow to cook uncovered for about 2 minutes. Transfer cauliflower to serving bowl, add the kale mixture and the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, toss everything together, and grate some fresh Pecorino over top if desired. Enjoy!

TIPS:

1. The amount of olive oil specified is a guideline, use a bit more if you need it.
2. Your veggies will not brown and caramelize properly if you are constantly moving them around, so only shake or stir about every minute or so.
3. Keep the lid on to hold in the heat so you cook the veggies on the inside as well as browning them on the outside. 
4. Don't crowd the pan. A single layer of veggies that can move when you shake the pan is what you want for proper browning. Use two pans if necessary.
5. I use toasted nuts in EVERYTHING. To save myself time I will oven-toast a large batch and then store them in the freezer. This way I can toss them into the pan at the very last minute just to warm up. To toast: spread out on a sheet pan in a single layer, place in a 350 degree oven for about 8 minutes or until you start to smell them, shake the pan around half way through to toast evenly.
6. I use Liconato or "Dinosaur" Kale but you can substitute any kale you like. Kale tends to get pretty dirty so wash each leaf individually under running water just before using. Kale is a power food, it's loaded with good-for-you nutrients.
7. For a protein punch, add some beans (chickpeas are particularly good with cauliflower) or toss in some cooked quinoa. Of course, if you're not vegetarian you could always add some cubed, cooked chicken.