ROASTED WHOLE ONION RECIPES

Steps:

• Coarsely grind peppercorns and allspice together in a spice mill. Combine with salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over exterior of roast. Add the grated garlic and rub in all over.
• Line a roasting pan with herb branches and set roast on top. Leave to absorb seasonings for at least 1 hour at room temperature, or refrigerate overnight (bring back to room temperature before proceeding). Heat oven to 400 degrees.
• In a large pot of well-salted boiling water, cook potatoes until just done, about 15 minutes. Remove with a spider or slotted spoon and place in an earthenware baking dish. In the same water, simmer parsnips until just done, about 8 minutes. Remove and add them to potatoes in baking dish. Pour melted butter over the potatoes and parsnips and use a brush to make sure they are well coated.
• Make the horseradish sauce: Whisk together crème fraîche, Dijon mustard, horseradish and cayenne in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate.
• Roast the beef, uncovered, for about 1 hour. Check with an instant-read thermometer after 45 minutes. For medium-rare, take the roast out of the oven when thermometer registers 120 degrees (residual heat will cause roast to continue cooking as it rests). Remove the roast, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes; the temperature should rise to 125 degrees. About 15 minutes after the roast goes into the oven, put in the baking dish of potatoes and parsnips, uncovered, and roast until beautifully golden brown, about 30 minutes.
• Slice the beef into 1/4-inch-thick pieces and arrange on a warmed platter, garnished with a big bunch of watercress. Pass the roasted vegetables and horseradish sauce separately.

Steps:

• Make the cauliflower: Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat oven to 400 degrees. Trim the cauliflower, making sure the stem is cut flush with the head so it sits flat. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron or other heavy ovenproof skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, the onions and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring, until translucent and turning golden on the edges, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup water and remove from the heat.
• Rub the cauliflower with the remaining tablespoon oil then with the pepper and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Clear the center of the skillet and place the cauliflower in it. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place in the center of the oven. Bake until a paring knife meets no resistance when inserted into the cauliflower, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the pesto: Reserve a bit of lemon zest for garnish. Place the rest in a food processor, along with the herbs, oil, pistachios, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until well combined.
• Turn oven to 450 degrees on the regular setting or, if you have a convection option, 425 degrees. Uncover the cauliflower and baste with some of the pan juices. Cook, basting occasionally and adding 1/4 cup of water to the pan if it threatens to dry out, until nicely browned, 20 to 30 minutes more. Spoon the pesto over top, sprinkle with reserved lemon zest and more herbs, and serve.