Italian Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnut Pesto

Introduction

Transforming the humble cauliflower into a culinary masterpiece is easier than you think, especially when you harness the high-heat searing power of an Arteflame grill. This recipe for Italian Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnut Pesto elevates a simple vegetable into a smoky, tender, and deeply satisfying dish that can stand proudly as a vegetarian main course or a sophisticated side. The high heat creates a beautiful, caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside buttery and soft, unlocking a nuttiness that steaming or roasting simply cannot achieve.

The magic really happens when you pair the savory, charred vegetable with a vibrant, homemade hazelnut pesto. Unlike traditional pine nut pestos, the use of toasted hazelnuts adds an earthy crunch and a rich depth of flavor that complements the smokiness of the grill perfectly. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish brings the rustic elegance of Italian cooking straight to your backyard fire.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Steaks

• 2 large heads of cauliflower
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Hazelnut Pesto

• 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts (skins removed)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
• 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Remove the outer leaves from the cauliflower heads, but leave the stem intact as this helps hold the steaks together.
2. Place the cauliflower head stem-side down on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, slice right through the center.
3. Cut two to three 1-inch thick "steaks" from the center of each head. Save the remaining florets for another use (like a grilled veggie medley).
4. Brush both sides of the steaks generously with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

Step 2: Make the Hazelnut Pesto

1. In a food processor, combine the toasted hazelnuts, garlic, basil, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Pulse until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture emulsifies into a sauce. You can keep it slightly chunky for texture.
4. Add the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-to-high fire in your Arteflame grill. You want the cooktop to be hot enough to sear.
2. Lightly oil the flat steel griddle surface to ensure the cauliflower doesn't stick.

Step 4: Grill the Steaks

1. Place the seasoned cauliflower steaks directly onto the hot flat cooktop.
2. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side. You are looking for a deep golden-brown sear and char marks.
3. If the outside is browning too fast but the inside is still raw, move the steaks to the outer edge of the griddle where the heat is gentler. Cook until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Remove the steaks from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
2. While they are still warm, spoon the fresh hazelnut pesto generously over the top.
3. Garnish with extra crushed hazelnuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired and serve immediately.

Tips

Achieving the perfect grilled cauliflower steak requires a bit of technique. The most critical step is the cutting process; ensure you cut right through the core stem, as this is the anchor that keeps the florets attached. If some florets fall off during slicing, don't worry—simply toss them in a grill basket or grill them alongside the steaks on the flat cooktop surface; they will taste just as delicious. When grilling on the Arteflame, utilize the different heat zones. Start closer to the center to get that appetizing sear, then move the steaks to the cooler outer ring to let them finish cooking through without burning.

Regarding the pesto, toasting the hazelnuts is non-negotiable. It releases their natural oils and intensifies the flavor profile significantly. If your pesto feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water or a bit more lemon juice to loosen it up rather than adding more oil, which keeps the dish lighter and fresher.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs or flavor preferences. While the hazelnut and basil combination is classic, you can easily swap ingredients to create a completely new profile. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

• Vegan Option: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative to make this dish 100% plant-based.
• Spicy Kick: Add a roasted jalapeño to the pesto blend or sprinkle heavily with Calabrian chili flakes for an Italian heat.
• Nut Alternatives: If hazelnuts aren't available, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes that still provide a robust, earthy flavor.
• Herb Switch: Swap parsley for arugula or mint in the pesto for a peppier or fresher finish.
• Lemon-Caper Twist: Skip the pesto and top the grilled steaks with a sauce made of brown butter, lemon juice, and capers (piccata style).

Best pairings

These Italian Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are robust enough to stand alone, but they also play well with others. Because of the nutty pesto and the char from the grill, this dish pairs beautifully with proteins that have a clean flavor profile. Grilled white fish, such as sea bass or halibut, is an exceptional choice, as is a simple herb-roasted chicken. If you are keeping the meal vegetarian, serve these alongside a hearty grain salad made with farro or quinoa mixed with sun-dried tomatoes.

For beverage pairings, look for a white wine with high acidity to cut through the richness of the pesto and nuts. A crisp Italian Pinot Grigio, a Sauvignon Blanc, or a Vermentino would be ideal matches. If you prefer red wine, opt for a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a chilled Gamay that won't overpower the delicate sweetness of the cauliflower.

Conclusion

Italian Grilled Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnut Pesto are a testament to how simple ingredients can create complex, memorable flavors when cooked over an open fire. The Arteflame grill adds a unique dimension of smokiness that turns a standard vegetable dish into a gourmet experience. Whether you are a dedicated vegetarian or a meat-lover looking for a substantial side, this recipe delivers on texture, taste, and presentation.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the pesto or the seasonings to make this dish your own. Fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and enjoy a meal that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome and fresh. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the art of outdoor cooking with an Italian twist.