2 small (1½ pounds each) cauliflowers, halved and leaves trimmed
¼ cup vegetable stock
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Pinch red pepper flakes
Kosher salt, to taste
2 vine-ripe tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely grated
Pinch cumin seeds
Kosher salt, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon minced preserved lemon
1 teaspoon almond flour
1 cup labneh
4 teaspoons za'atar
Toasted slivered almonds, for garnish
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Directions
Prepare the cauliflower steaks: Preheat the oven to 400°. Place the cauliflower halves on a sheet pan, cut-sides down, and drizzle with the vegetable stock and melted butter. Season with sugar, red pepper flakes and salt, then cover with foil. Roast until just tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the tomatoes: In a medium bowl, grate the tomatoes, discarding the skin. Stir in the remaining tomato ingredients and set aside.
Make the lemon butter: In a small bowl, stir together all the lemon butter ingredients.
Light a grill or a large cast-iron pan. Rub the cauliflower steaks with the lemon butter all over. Grill, turning as needed, until lightly charred, 5 to 7 minutes.
To serve: Lay out 4 plates. On each plate, spread ¼ cup of labneh, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of za'atar, then place a cauliflower steak on top. Spoon some of the grated tomatoes over each slab. Garnish with toasted almonds, chopped parsley and flaky sea salt, then serve.