We’re diving into the root-to-stem thing again today with cauliflower leaves and stems! This is a super simple and completely delicious way to use up those parts you might normally toss in the compost. Next time you chop up a head of cauliflower, save the leaves, the core, and the stem and chop it all into 1” pieces. Toss them in oil, salt, and pepper and pop them in the oven!
To be honest, there’s not much I wouldn’t eat if it’s tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted to a crisp. Especially if there’s a garlicky sauce on the side for overly generous dipping.
The pale green leaves of cauliflower become shatteringly crisp leaf-chips in the oven and the tough stems transform into tender roasted bits – all of which are perfect with a creamy dipping sauce. I made this sauce with mayo because I have a very serious romance with Duke’s mayonnaise but I’ve also made it with Greek yogurt and sour cream with very happy results. The garlic and lemon juice mixed in make a great pairing with the veggie-ness of the roasted leaves and stems.
Is there anything cooler than making something out of nothing and busting out a highly addictive appetizer/snack like this? I love it and will pop my collar in honor of less waste and more roasty plant goodness. I’ve low-key been on board with the root-to-stem thing for a while; if you’re into it too, check out these kale stem beauties and this radish green magic.
PrintWhat to do with cauliflower stems and leaves!
A super simple and delicious way to use cauliflower leaves and stems – roast them in the oven and pair with a garlicky dipping sauce!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Leaves, stem, and core from 1 cauliflower, chopped into 1” pieces
- Extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
GARLICKY dipping sauce
- 1/2 C mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream
- 1 large clove of garlic, grated
- a squeeze of lemon juice
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Toss the chopped leaves, stem, and core in about 2 TBS of oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 10 minutes, remove the pan and use a spatula to toss everything around, return the pan to the oven, and roast for another 10 minutes or until you see nice browning on everything. *See note
- Mix together all ingredients for the garlicky dipping sauce and serve alongside warm cauliflower leaves and stems.
Notes
You may want to remove any small, thin leaves from the baking sheet after the first 10 minutes of roasting to prevent them from burning.
The nutritional information is approximate; depending on how much dip you use when you snack:)
Keywords: Cauliflower core, stem
You can prepare a tasty and nutritional drink with cauliflower stems and a few leaves. Wash and cut into big pieces . Place them in boiling water to cook them tender soft. Do not discard water. when cooled add a small piece of green chilly, salt and cumin and asofoetida. Add some curd and grind it soft. Add cold water o ice while grinding. Your tasty energy drink is ready.
I gave this to my dog and he loves them and he’s a source of calcium
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Can hardly wait to make this tomorrow! Love to find uses for the scraps, and this looks great! Thanks so much!
THE TROUBLE WITH THE NEW GENERATION THEY HAVE NO IMAGINATION IF A VEGETABLE LOOKS HEALTHY ITS EASY TO FIND A GOOD WAY TO COOK IT.NO RECIPE IS NECESSARY,,WHEN ONE IS HUNGRY ITS SURPRISING HOW EASY IT IS TO TURN OUT A TASTY DISH.
I tried this and it worked well, and I appreciate the recipe having alerted me to the need for taking the leafy parts out early so they don’t burn. Thanks for a yummy way to use up what I normally would have composted!
★★★★★