• 1Large head cauliflower
• 1cupUnsweetened plain dairy-free milk
• 1tbspLemon juice
• 1.5cupsRaw cashews
• 1tspSea salt (plus more to season cauliflower before coating)
• 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 0.75 tsp Garlic powder
• 1.5tspCurry powder
• 1.5tspSmoked paprika
• 3tbspArrowroot or cornstarch
• 2tbspAvocado oil
• 3Dates
• 2tbspLemon juice
• 1tbspShallot

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 220 C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you have a cooling rack that is oven safe, you can place that over the parchment paper to help the cauliflower crisp up even more.

2. 2

   Cut the cauliflower steaks.

3. 3

   Steam the steaks for 4-5 minutes to partially cook.

4. 4

   Once slightly softened, remove and set aside on a separate dish.

5. 5

   In the meantime, prepare your vegan buttermilk by adding milk to a shallow dish (shallow and wide enough to dip the cauliflower in) and add lemon juice. Stir and set aside.

6. 6

   Next, prepare the cashew coating by adding cashews, salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, curry powder, paprika, and arrowroot starch or cornstarch to a food processor. Mix until a semi-fine meal is achieved. A little texture is okay, but you want it pretty fine so it can coat the cauliflower. Transfer coating to a shallow dish (again, shallow and wide enough to dip the cauliflower in) and set aside.

7. 7

   Dip the slightly steamed cauliflower “steaks” in the buttermilk, ensuring both sides are adequately coated. Then set back on platter (where excess will drip off) and season both sides with a pinch of salt.

8. 8

   Next, dredge the cauliflower in the cashew coating until thoroughly coated, using a spoon or your hands to add more coating to any bare spots. Then transfer cauliflower “steaks” to your prepared baking sheet (with or without a cooling rack). Lastly, drizzle with a little avocado oil to help them crisp up.

9. 9

   Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the cauliflower “steak” is easily pierced with a knife and the exterior appears golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven to cool slightly.

10. 10

    Enjoy date relish (made by simply mixing 3 chopped dates, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp finely diced shallot).