Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Garlic and Mustard Seeds

1 large cauliflower, about 2-1/2 to 3 pounds
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp mustard seed
fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp salt, or less
kale leaves, for serving
1 tbsp chopped parsley, or chopped chives
8 lemon wedges

Leave the stalk on the head of cauliflower but trim away the leaves; trim away woody stem, making sure florets stay intact. Rinse cauliflower; let drain; blot dry with paper towels.

Next, use foil to make a 'stand and bib' for the cauliflower: Cut off enough foil to make a square sheet; use a baking sheet or shall pan and put the foil on it; place cauliflower in center and crimp foil to hug base of cauliflower.

Combine oil and garlic. Gently warm on stove top or in microwave oven until fragrant, but garlic should not brown. Strain oil through fine sieve, pressing on garlic to get all oil. Discard garlic.

Stir mustard seeds and cracked pepper (as much as you like) in oil. (We did not strain; we like garlic and left it in the oil.)

Set oven to 375F degrees.

Paint the head of the cauliflower: spoon warm oil mixture as evenly as possible, or use a brush. Sprinkle evenly with salt to taste.

Place in the oven, uncovered, and bake until just tender (test center core with tip of sharp paring knife), about 1 1/2 hours. (It will brown nicely; if it looks dry, that's okay.)

Can be made 1 day ahead, cooled and refrigerated, wrapped airtight. Let come to room temperature before using. Place in microwaveable dish. Reheat in microwave oven on high power [100%] until hot, 4 to 6 minutes.)

To serve, place head in center of round platter layered with kale leaves. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve hot in pie-shaped wedges, garnished with lemon wedges.

The whole cauliflower makes a spectacular presentation and serves up nicely in wedges." This was given to me by a friend; and now I'm passing it along. We made a half-recipe; served it with a Chicken Breast Fillet with an Orange-Thai Sauce; and green petite beans.

Yield: 6 Servings
Source: LA Times by Abby Mandel, 1996