Roasted BBQ Cauliflower, Pepita Dressing and Cilantro-Lime Quinoa
[Vegan]

For the Roasted BBQ Cauliflower:

1. Grab a skillet and over medium heat toast the chilis and cumin seeds for about 2 minutes. Stir them constantly so they don’t burn and when the chilis start to brown a bit, turn off the heat.
2. Use tongs to remove the chilis and place them in a bowl with 1/4 cup of water.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients – the cumin seeds, 2 cloves garlic, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon maple syrup to a food processor or blender. Set aside while the chilis soak.
4. To prepare the cauliflower by rinsing it and cutting it into florets. Aim for fairly equal sized pieces so cut the larger florets in half if desired.
5. Once the cauliflower is ready. Preheat the oven to 4250 F (2200 C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
6. Add the chilis plus the soaking water to the blender with the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth.
7. Coat each cauliflower floret with the BBQ sauce by transferring the cauliflower and sauce to a bowl and mixing or using your hands to coat each piece.
8. Place the cauliflower on the baking tray with enough space between they are not touching.
9. Bake the cauliflower for 30 – 35 minutes until it is dark and a bit charred on the edges. Use a fork to test for doneness by piercing a piece and if the fork comes out clean, it’s ready.

For the Lime-Cilantro Quinoa:

1. Rinse 1 cups of quinoa and place it in a medium pot along with 2 cups of vegetable broth and ½ tsp. ground coriander. Bring the pot to a boil and then turn down the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Keep the quinoa covered until right before serving.
2. Immediately before serving, fluff up the quinoa with a fork than add the lime zest and juice and the chopped cilantro. Mix well.

For the Pepita Dressing:

1. Using a spice grinder, grind 1/2 cup pepitas until they are completely broken down and powdery.
2. Depending on your spice grinder, you can use that or a blend and along with the pepitas, add 1 clove minced garlic, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon date paste, 1 teaspoon dried dill and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. If the dressing is too thick, add water a tablespoon at-a-time until you get the desired consistency.