With venues in Shoreditch and Fitzrovia, Oklava and Oklava Bakery and Wine (opened earlier this year) have been closed since March. First launched in 2015, Oklava sees chef Selin Kiazim draw on her Turkish-Cypriot heritage, preparing a veritable selection of modern takes on classic dishes. Having been closed for almost four months, both sites will re-open this month. All being well, the original restaurant will re-open on Friday 17th July, followed by Oklava Bakery and Wine on Thursday 23rd July, with bookings now open (for indoor and outdoor seating). Until then, chef Selin has shared a recipe for her chilli roast cauliflower, embellished with pistachios, red onion and parsley. An ideal (vegetarian) accompaniment to summer barbecues.
Chilli roast cauliflower with pistachios, red onion & parsley recipe
Ingredients
Serves 4-6 as part of tapas-style meal
Cauliflower head, ½, leave some of the green stalks on
Açi biber paste, 2 tbsp (available at Turkish supermarkets)
Tatli biber paste, 1 tbsp (available at Turkish supermarkets)
Extra virgin olive oil, 50ml
Parsley leaves, 5 tbsp
Pistachios, 5 tbsp, toasted & roughly chopped
Red onion, ½, sliced as finely as you can
Sumac, 1 tsp
Salt & pepper, to taste
Method
Pre-heat the oven to 180c.
Cut the cauliflower into 4 equal wedges, rinse under cold water and pat dry.
Mix together the açi buber paste and tatli biber paste with 30ml of the olive oil and a little salt and pepper. Rub the mix all over the cauliflower wedges (you may want to wear gloves to do this) and place onto a lined baking tray. Place into the oven for around 15-20 minutes.
Take out of the oven and place them into a dry, hot non-stick frying pan for a minute or so on either side to achieve a slightly charred surface.
Place 1 wedge on every plate and top with the parsley, red onion and pistachios. Drizzle over the remaining olive oil and finally a sprinkling of sumac.
RELATED: London’s best restaurants offering take-away and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic
This article was amended on 6/7/20, updated with information on re-opening dates.
