Broccoli Rabe and Crunchy Cauliflower with Lemon Tahini
A delicious and refreshing side to any main course, this dish is all about contrasting flavors and textures. Roasting the broccoli rabe creates wonderfully crispy leaves, tender stems, and brings out the spiciness of the vegetable. The creamy tahini dressing cools down the peppery broccoli rabe, and thinly sliced cauliflower brings both a subtle sweetness and crunch.
Recipe by Summer Min
Summer is the recipe developing and food blogging voice of O&O Eats. Her recipes span a wide range of cuisines and flavors, borrowing from the regions she’s called home and her family’s heritage. She was recently honored as a finalist in the “Best New Voice” category at Saveur’s 2015 Food Blog Awards.
Ingredients
SALAD
- 3/4 bunch broccoli rabe (about 12 oz), ends removed
- 2 Tbsp canola oil
- 1/2 head of cauliflower (about 12 oz trimmed)
- 3 Tbsp pine nuts, toasted
DRESSING
- 3 Tbsp tahini
- 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp water, plus more as needed
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 medium garlic clove, peeled and minced
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped mint
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place broccoli rabe on a large rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Toss until all the stems, leaves, and florets are lightly coated. Spread the broccoli rabe in one even layer and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your oven, until the stems are tender and the majority of the leaves are crispy.
3. In the meantime, break the cauliflower into florets and cut each floret into thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. Place the cauliflower in a large salad bowl.
4. Make the dressing by whisking tahini, lemon juice, water, and honey in a medium bowl. If the dressing is too thick, add more water one tsp at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Add garlic, mint, parsley, salt, and pepper then whisk to combine. Taste and add more salt as needed. Set aside until ready to use.
5. When the broccoli rabe is done, remove it from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Some of the leaves will be crispy like chips and others will be more wilted and tender. Break the crispy leaves off and reserve for garnish. Cut the broccoli rabe into 1/2” pieces and add to the cauliflower.
6. Drizzle the lemon tahini dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
7. Transfer the dressed veggies to a serving platter, top with toasted pine nuts and reserved crispy broccoli rabe leaves, and enjoy immediately.
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