Looking for a vegetable dish that’s both simple and full of vibrant flavor? Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower is the answer! This dish takes the humble cauliflower and transforms it into something truly special with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. With a tangy combination of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a touch of oregano, this braised cauliflower offers the perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors. It’s not only a great side dish but also a satisfying vegetarian main course when served with rice or crusty bread.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients, you can easily create a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the natural taste of cauliflower. Braising the cauliflower allows it to absorb all the rich flavors from the tomatoes and seasonings, making every bite tender and flavorful. Whether you’re new to cooking cauliflower or a long-time fan, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. It’s also a perfect option for anyone looking to eat more vegetables while still enjoying a satisfying meal.

Greek-inspired cuisine is known for its fresh, vibrant ingredients, and this Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower is no exception. It’s healthy, full of nutrients, and incredibly easy to make. Serve it as a side dish to complement your favorite protein, or enjoy it as a light vegetarian meal. Either way, this dish is sure to leave you craving more.

Why Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower?

Selling Points:

• Simple and Flavorful: This dish uses just a few ingredients, but the flavors are bold and satisfying.
• Healthy and Light: Cauliflower is a nutrient-packed vegetable, and this recipe is low in calories but high in taste.
• Versatile: Whether served as a side or main dish, this recipe pairs well with a variety of meals and is great for different dietary preferences.
• Quick and Easy: With a cooking time of around 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights or when you need a quick and healthy option.

What You Need for Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for extra flavor)

How to Make Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into small florets, removing the tough stem. Set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
   
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth (or water). Stir to combine.
   
4. Braised the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the pan, stirring to coat them with the tomato mixture. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   
5. Cook the Cauliflower: Cover the pan and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the braise. Stir occasionally to prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the pan.
   
6. Finish and Serve: Once the cauliflower is tender, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice, if using. Serve the braised cauliflower warm as a side dish or a light main course.
   

Tips for the Perfect Greek Braised Cauliflower

• Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Make sure to check the cauliflower occasionally while it’s cooking so it doesn’t become too soft or mushy. It should be tender but still have some bite.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers, to the braise for extra flavor and texture.
• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
• Use Fresh Tomatoes: If you prefer fresh tomatoes over canned, you can dice about 4 medium tomatoes and use them in place of the canned tomatoes.

Substitutions and Variations

• Add Feta Cheese: For a more traditional Greek twist, top the braised cauliflower with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
• Vegan Version: This dish is already vegan, but you can enhance its richness by adding a drizzle of olive oil or tahini sauce on top before serving.
• Use Broccoli: You can swap the cauliflower for broccoli if you prefer, though the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the florets.

Make a Healthier Version

• Less Oil: To reduce the amount of oil, you can use cooking spray instead of olive oil or reduce the oil to just 1 tablespoon.
• Increase the Vegetables: Add more vegetables to the braise, such as spinach or kale, for added nutrition and color.
• Serve with Whole Grains: Serve the braised cauliflower with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or whole-grain couscous for a complete meal.

Closing for Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower

Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. With its tender cauliflower, savory tomato base, and Mediterranean flavors, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and light. This healthy, easy-to-make recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light main course, this Greek-inspired cauliflower is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
   Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess water before adding them to the pan.
   
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the braised cauliflower ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
   
3. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
   Yes, chicken broth works well in this recipe. However, using vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
   
4. What can I serve with this dish?
   This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or couscous. It also works well as a side to grilled meats or fish for a complete meal.
   
5. Can I add more spices?
   Definitely! You can experiment with adding cumin, paprika, or garlic powder to the braise to give it extra depth of flavor.
   
6. How can I make this dish spicier?
   To add some heat, include red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers when sautéing the garlic and onions.
   
7. Can I freeze the braised cauliflower?
   While you can freeze it, the texture of the cauliflower may change slightly. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
   
8. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
   Yes, you can use fresh oregano or parsley instead of dried herbs. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano in place of the dried oregano.
   
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat or gluten products.
   
10. Can I add feta cheese to this dish?
    Absolutely! Crumbled feta cheese adds a delicious creamy texture and tang that complements the flavors of the braised cauliflower perfectly.

In conclusion, Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower offers a vibrant and delicious way to enjoy cauliflower in a Mediterranean-inspired dish. The tender, braised cauliflower paired with garlic, tomatoes, and olives creates a savory experience that is light yet flavorful. This dish is not only simple and quick to prepare but also versatile enough to complement a wide variety of meals. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a flavorful vegetarian main course, this recipe provides a great balance of taste and nutrition. The combination of fresh ingredients makes this recipe perfect for those seeking a satisfying yet easy-to-make option that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it’s a wonderful addition to your regular rotation of go-to dishes!

Easy Greek Braised Cauliflower

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

• Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into small florets, removing the tough stem. Set aside.
• Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth (or water). Stir to combine.
• Braised the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the pan, stirring to coat them with the tomato mixture. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Cook the Cauliflower: Cover the pan and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the braise. Stir occasionally to prevent the cauliflower from sticking to the pan.
• Finish and Serve: Once the cauliflower is tender, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice, if using. Serve the braised cauliflower warm as a side dish or a light main course.