Vegan cauliflower steak with hazelnut crust

Vegan cauliflower steak with hazelnut crust: roasted cauliflower with hazelnuts, nutritional yeast, olive oil and thyme – easy, aromatic and crispy.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 15 min
• Cooking time: 25 min
• Total time: 40 min
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbs: 12 g

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 50 g hazelnuts
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Thyme & sea salt

Method

You’ll need: oven · baking dish · baking tray · chopping board · knife

1. Wash the cauliflower, remove the leaves and cut it into thick steaks. Finely chop the hazelnuts and mix with the nutritional yeast, thyme and sea salt.
2. Rub the cauliflower steaks with olive oil and place them on a baking tray or in an ovenproof dish. Press the hazelnut mixture evenly on top.
3. Roast the steaks in the oven at 200 °C (180 °C fan) for 20–25 min until the cauliflower is tender and the crust is golden brown. Check now and then so the hazelnuts don't get too dark.
4. Finally, add a little more olive oil, thyme and sea salt if needed. Leave to rest briefly so the crust sticks better.
5. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy hazelnut crust straight away.

Good to know

This dish is simple and still special. Crispy outside, tender inside, with lots of roasted flavour and a warm, nutty depth.

Swaps

Cauliflower → broccoli steaks (more vitamin C and a little more protein) Hazelnuts → walnuts (more omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols) Nutritional yeast → almond butter, spread thinly (provides vitamin E and unsaturated fats) Olive oil → avocado oil (heat-stable, mostly monounsaturated fat)

Allergens

Contains tree nuts from the hazelnuts. Nutritional yeast is usually well tolerated but can disagree with some sensitive people. Well suited to children if the nuts are finely chopped; during pregnancy the ingredients are normal, as long as everything is fresh and well cooked.

Frequently asked questions

What nutrients are in cauliflower?

Cauliflower contains vitamin C, folate and potassium as well as fibre. On top of that come plant compounds typical of cruciferous vegetables.

What do hazelnuts provide nutritionally?

Hazelnuts mainly contain monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, manganese and copper. They also bring fibre and some plant protein.

Does nutritional yeast contain B vitamins?

Often, yes, but it depends a lot on the product. Some brands are fortified with B vitamins, others aren't – it's worth checking the label.

Does cauliflower suit a sensitive stomach?

It varies from person to person. Cauliflower contains fermentable carbs that can cause wind in sensitive people, especially in larger amounts.

What matters about the olive oil in this recipe?

Olive oil mainly provides oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, plus small amounts of vitamin E and phenolic compounds. The amounts vary with quality and processing.

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