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Whole Instant Pot cauliflower topped with herbs and gravy in a sunlit white kitchen with urban high-rise view.

Cauliflower Instant Pot Recipe: Bold, Flavorful, and Ready in Minutes

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  • Total Time: 30–45 minutes (with marinade and optional broil)
  • Yield: Serves 4–6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head cauliflower

For the Marinade:

34 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

½ tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Gravy:

1 onion, cut into large pieces

23 whole garlic cloves

1½ cups vegetable broth

½ tsp thyme

½ tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp whole wheat flour

1 tsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Clean and Prep the Cauliflower:
    Trim leaves and stem so the cauliflower sits flat. Soak in warm salted water for 10–15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

  2. Marinate the Cauliflower:
    Mix garlic, herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub mixture all over the cauliflower. Let sit 30–60 minutes if time allows.

  3. Sauté Aromatics and Add Liquid:
    In the Instant Pot on sauté mode, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened. Pour in broth, thyme, and lemon juice. Place trivet in the pot.

  4. Pressure Cook:
    Place cauliflower on the trivet. Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.

  5. Optional Broil:
    For a crisp finish, broil cauliflower for 3–4 minutes in the oven.

  6. Make the Gravy:
    Set pot to sauté. Whisk in flour. Blend with immersion blender until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Season to taste.

  • Author: Layla Nour
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus pressure build/release)
  • Category: Main Dish, Plant-Based
  • Method: Pressure Cooking (Instant Pot)
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 head with gravy
  • Calories: ~160 per serving
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg