Description
Greek Braised Cauliflower (Kounoupidi Kapama) is a flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring tender cauliflower florets braised with aromatic spices, tomato paste, and olive oil. This comforting vegetarian recipe combines allspice, cloves, and cinnamon to create a fragrant, savory sauce that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of cauliflower and potatoes. Ideal as a side or light main, it embodies traditional Greek home cooking simplicity and depth.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium cauliflower head, stem removed and cut into medium-sized florets
- 1 small potato, peeled and cut into small pieces
Spices & Seasonings
- 3 allspice berries
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Water (enough to cover ingredients halfway)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and spices: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets, potato pieces, allspice berries, whole cloves, and the cinnamon stick. Cook for several minutes until the spices become fragrant and the cauliflower starts to take on a slight golden color.
- Add tomato paste and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste along with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the vegetables and spices with the tomato paste.
- Add water and bring to boil: Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients halfway. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Arrange cauliflower and simmer: Rearrange the cauliflower so the stems are facing down and the florets facing up to ensure even cooking. Cover the pot with a lid and let simmer gently for 30 to 50 minutes until the cauliflower is tender but still holds shape and the sauce has thickened and reduced, no longer watery.
- Check for doneness and adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce further. Serve warm.
Notes
- The recipe can be served as a vegetarian main dish or as a side to grilled meats or fish.
- Do not overcook the cauliflower to avoid it falling apart; texture should be tender but firm.
- Use good-quality olive oil for best flavor.
- Adjust water quantity during cooking to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Allspice berries and cloves give a warm aromatic flavor—do not omit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
