Sweet and Sour Baked Cauliflower

This recipe is a great way to 'hide' cauliflower while also creating a mouthwatering meal. My husband was gobbling this up, and he is not cauliflower's biggest fan.

​The sauce prepared here would also pair very will with baked tofu, or even try it with a different vegetable such as broccoli. If you are a fan of sweet and sour, then this is the recipe for you!

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Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Recipe
plant-based, gluten-free, refined-sugar free

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice

For the baked cauliflower:

• 1 head of cauliflower cut into bit-sized pieces

• 1 cup chickpea or flour of choice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water

For the sweet and sour sauce*:

• 1 inch ginger minced or grated, about 2-4 tsp
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 teaspoon rice or apple cider vinegar
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F.
3. Add the chickpea flour, garlic powder, salt, and water to a bowl and mix well.
4. Add the bite-sized cauliflower and mix to coat.
5. Place coated cauliflower on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 min, toss around 15 min so they brown on both sides.
6. Prepare the sauce while the cauliflower bakes by sauteing the garlic and ginger over medium heat for a few minutes. Use a little bit of water or veggie broth to keep them from sticking while they cook.
7. Next stir in the honey, salt, vinegar, and tomato paste to the ginger and garlic. Mix well and cook until it thickens, about 5 min. Reserve 1/2 the sauce for coating the cauliflower and 1/2 for serving*.
8. Remove from heat and mix in the toasted sesame oil to the sauce.
9. When the cauliflower is done baking, remove from oven and add to 1/2 of the sauce. Mix to cover the cauliflower well. 
10. Add the cauliflower back to the baking sheet and put in the oven for an additional 5 min.
11. Top on the cooked rice, layer on a little of the reserved sauce, and sprinkle with green onions or cilantro and enjoy!

*Note: You could also saute pineapples and onions in the sauce to add an extra flavor dimension.