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Cauliflower and Sweet Potatoes in Roasted Red Pepper Mole over rice in black bowl.
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5 from 2 votes

Cauliflower and Sweet Potatoes in Roasted Red Pepper Mole

Cauliflower and Sweet Potatoes in Roasted Red Pepper Mole is a hearty, lively Mexican-inspired vegan dish with complex flavors!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Vegetarian / Vegan Entrees
Cuisine: Southwestern / Mexican
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 large red bell peppers halved and seeded -OR- 1 jar (16-ounce) roasted red bell peppers in water, drained
  • olive oil
  • 1 large head cauliflower cut into florets
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano preferably Mexican
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/3 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro plus more for garnish plus more for garnish
  • Brown rice for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil.
  • Rub red bell peppers with olive oil. Place in the oven and roast for 30-45 minutes or until blackened and blistered. Immediately cover with aluminum foil or baking sheet. Let stand 20 minutes.
  • Peel the peppers and transfer to a food processor or blender. Alternately, drain the jar of peppers and place in a food processor or blender.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees.
  • Toss cauliflower with olive oil and season liberally with salt and black pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until slightly tender and lightly browned. Set aside.
  • Combine cumin, coriander, oregano, paprika, cayenne and thyme in a dry, non-stick skillet. Heat over medium-high heat for 30-45 seconds, stirring often until fragrant, being careful not to burn the spices.
  • Remove from heat and transfer to a food processor along with roasted red pepper.
  • Place sunflower seeds in the same non-stick skillet, reduce heat to medium and toast until lightly browned in places, 2-3 minutes. Gently toss the almonds every 30 seconds or so to toast more evenly.
  • Transfer to a food processor, add garlic and process until smooth. Set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook 5-6 minutes, stirring often until softened. Add sweet potatoes, broth and red pepper mole.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook 8-10 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
  • Add cauliflower and cilantro and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper and cayenne if desired.
  • Garnish with cilantro springs and sprinkle with sunflower seeds if desired. Serve immediately with brown rice.

Notes

SUBSTITUTIONS:
  • Blanched, slivered almonds may be used in place of sunflower seeds.
  • If using roasted red peppers in a jar, make sure they’re packed in water–not a brine.
MAKE AHEAD:
  • Mole may be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 372mg | Potassium: 1472mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 20577IU | Vitamin C: 265mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 5mg