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Braised Whole Cauliflower alla Diavola

Braised Whole Cauliflower alla Diavola

By Courtney HillSeptember 5, 2025

  • Makes
    4-6 servings
  • Cook Time
    1¾ hours
  • Active time plus cooling
    35 minutes active
  • Rating

We give a whole head of cauliflower the pot-roast treatment by cooking it in a Dutch oven with a spicy tomato, garlic and green olive braising liquid that becomes a flavorful sauce. When the cauliflower is almost fully tender, we dust it with pecorino and return it to the oven to brown. When it emerges 15 minutes later, it is tender enough that portions can easily be scooped from the whole head with a spoon. Or, if you prefer, cut it into wedges and set them on a bed of sauce on a platter. Accompany with creamy polenta or warm, crusty bread.

Tip

Don’t forget to trim base of the cauliflower and remove any leaves. When testing the cauliflower for doneness, make sure to insert a skewer straight down in the center, as the core is the densest part and the last to finish cooking.

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