Cauliflower Steaks with Poached Eggs & Pesto Hollandaise

(3)

This weekend-worthy dish features cauliflower “steaks” flavored with Italian seasoning and topped with sautéed kale, a poached egg and pesto-flavored hollandaise. No need to fret over finicky homemade hollandaise—our blender method simplifies the process, bypassing the stovetop hassle with a creamy stable sauce that won’t break or separate. Look for medium heads of cauliflower with compact florets for the best “steaks.” The center-cut slices hold their shape best. Use any extra florets from the sides to make cauliflower rice or roast them separately for a salad.

Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
4
the ingredients to make the Cauliflower Steaks with Poached Eggs & Pesto Hollandaise

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Cauliflower Steaks

  • Cooking spray

  • 2 medium heads cauliflower (about 2 lbs. each), leaves removed and stems trimmed

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Pesto Hollandaise

  • 3 large egg yolks

  • 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons refrigerated basil pesto

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed

Poached Eggs & Kale

  • 2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 medium cloves garlic, chopped

  • 1 (8-ounce) bunch curly kale, stemmed and chopped (5 packed cups)

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. To prepare cauliflower steaks: Position oven rack in upper third; preheat to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil; coat with cooking spray.

  2. Cut cauliflower heads in half lengthwise; trim the sides to create 2 (1-inch-thick) “steaks” from each head. Arrange the cauliflower steaks on the prepared baking sheet; reserve trimmed florets for another use.

    a photo of the cauliflower sliced in half

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

  3. Coat the cauliflower with cooking spray. Sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning and salt. Roast, flipping once, until browned and tender, 30 to 35 minutes.

  4. Meanwhile, prepare pesto hollandaise: Place egg yolks in a blender. Secure the lid on the blender and remove the center piece; place a clean towel over the opening. Process until light in color, about 30 seconds. With the blender running on low speed, slowly pour 1 tablespoon vinegar through the opening; process until blended, 10 to 15 seconds. Add pesto; process until completely blended, about 30 seconds.

    a photo of the hollandaise being mixed up in a blender

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

  5. Place cubed butter in a glass measuring cup; microwave on High in 20-second intervals until melted, about 2 (20-second) intervals. With the blender running on low speed, slowly pour the melted butter through the lid opening; process until the butter is incorporated and the mixture looks thick, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a microwaveable bowl. When ready to serve, microwave on Low until warmed through, 30 to 45 seconds.

  6. To prepare poached eggs & kale: Pour water into a deep medium skillet to a depth of 2 inches; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Stir in vinegar. Reduce heat to medium-low and create a whirlpool using a spoon; crack eggs, 1 at a time, into the center of the whirlpool. Simmer until the whites are set and the yolks are runny, about 4 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the poached eggs to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Carefully drain the pan and wipe it clean.

  7. In the dry skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly,  until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add kale; cook, stirring constantly, until tender-crisp and wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

  8. Divide the kale among 4 plates; top each with 1 cauliflower steak, 1 poached egg and about 2 tablespoons hollandaise. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and salt.

    a recipe photo of the Cauliflower Steaks with Poached Eggs & Pesto Hollandaise

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

EatingWell.com, August 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

431 Calories
32g Fat
19g Carbs
20g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cauliflower steak, 1/2 cup kale, 1 egg & about 2 Tbsp. hollandaise
Calories 431
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 7g 25%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 20g 40%
Total Fat 32g 42%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Cholesterol 417mg 139%
Vitamin A 598µg
Vitamin C 178mg 198%
Vitamin D 2µg
Vitamin E 4mg 23%
Folate 260µg
Vitamin K 456µg
Sodium 554mg 24%
Calcium 238mg 18%
Iron 4mg 20%
Magnesium 79mg 19%
Potassium 1166mg 25%
Zinc 2mg 22%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles