Mediterranean Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Side with Pine Nuts and Tahini
I just got off a plane from Las Vegas where I accompanied my husband (hi Bo!) on a business trip. While the trip was fun and I'm pretty sure I can't see straight right now, I'm also not used to eating out that much. When I am home most of my meals are prepared very simply in my kitchen. My body is not used to so much butter and fat, and I am definitely not used to any added chemicals (MSG!!! ahhhh) which really left me with a salty hangover.
So after lots of hugs and kisses (and presents, of course) with my two mushy boys, I sat down to share with you some super clean, plant based recipes. These beauties are not only simple and fast to prepare but they are gorgeous enough to serve to company. So with the high holidays dotting the month of October, I know I will have these in my back pocket to balance out the heaviness of that gorgeous standing rib roast. (YUM!)
Over the next few days I will be sharing these 3 recipes. So here is the first one and be sure to check back in soon for the others! (You didn't really think I would give you them all at once did you? Come on people, I'm trying to up my traffic here!)
Mediterranean Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Side
with Pine Nuts and Tahini
Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower, greens removed & cut into med sized pieces
3 sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into med cubes
½ teaspoon ground all spice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
Lots of oil spray
¼ cup of pine nuts
¼ cup Tahini Sauce (homemade or bought)
1 large handful fresh parsley, rough chop
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees (375 convection).
Take a large baking sheet and spray with oil spray. Mix your cauliflower florets and your sweet potato cubes together on the tray. Spray your vegetables with more oil spray. Then sprinkle them your all spice, cinnamon and salt. Using a gloved hand, mix the vegetables together and try to rub the spices in a bit. Spray the oil one last time and bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until the vegetables start to get nice brown edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Lower your oven to 350 degrees (325 convection). Spread your pine nuts on a small baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes. SET THE TIMER! They will burn fast, so pay attention. Transfer your vegetables to a serving platter, drizzle with tahini, and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts and parsley.
Plan Ahead: The tahini can be store bought or made up to 1 week before. The vegetables can be roasted the day before and rewarmed uncovered for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
Homemade Tahini
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons sesame paste (I prefer the ones in the plastic containers. The ones in the jars are too hard and oily)
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons of water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 clove chopped garlic, or 1 frozen cube
Directions:
Put the sesame paste with the lemon juice in a small bowl. With a small whisk or fork, mix well until the paste thickens a lot. Then add the water, salt and garlic. Continue to mix till it is a smooth sauce that will coat the back of the spoon. If the tahini is still too thick, slowly add more water, one tablespoon at a time until till you reach the desired consistency. Keep refrigerated for up to one week.
