Vegetables

Roman-Style Romanesco

Name: Roman-Style Romanesco
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 (1-pound) heads Romanesco with leaves; 1/4 cup olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups 1/2-inch sourdough bread cubes; 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 oil-packed anchovy fillets, minced; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 teaspoons minced garlic

2.0

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2 Reviews

Inspired by the leaves around a head of Romanesco, reminiscent of artichokes or cardoons, the heads are roasted whole then showered with lemon-garlic breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Cauliflower and broccoli are great substitutes for Romanesco. Seek out small heads with leaves, if possible. Slideshow: More Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

By

Hunter Lewis

and Eric Wolfinger

Updated on March 1, 2018

Roman-Style Romanesco — Photo: Eric Wolfinger

Active Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

1 hrs

Yield:

4 to 6

Ingredients

2 (1-pound) heads Romanesco with leaves
1/4 cup olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups 1/2-inch sourdough bread cubes
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 oil-packed anchovy fillets, minced
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoons minced garlic

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place Romanesco on a parchment paper–lined rimmed baking sheet. Brush each head with 1 tablespoon oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until outer leaves are crisp and Romanesco is just tender and browned, about 45 minutes.
Toss bread cubes with remaining 2 tablespoons oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 425°F until toasted and dry, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool.
Place toasted bread in a large ziplock plastic bag. Seal bag, and crush with a rolling pin until coarse breadcrumbs form. (Alternatively, you can pulse toasted bread in a food processor.) Place breadcrumbs in a bowl, and add 1/4 cup Parmesan, anchovies, zest, and garlic; stir to combine.
Transfer Romanesco heads to a serving platter, and drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture and additional Parmesan. Cut Romanesco into wedges and serve.