STEP 1
Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas ,
STEP 2
Peel and quarter the onions, then pick the quarters apart into petals straight into a 20cm-wide, deep ovenproof pan on a medium-high heat.,
STEP 3
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the anchovies and stir occasionally while you peel and slice the garlic.,
STEP 4
Squash the olives, leaving the stones in, then stir into the pan with the garlic.,
STEP 5
Cook and stir for 2 minutes, then pour in the wine and add the saffron, if using.,
STEP 6
Trim the base of the cauliflower, then use a sharp knife to carefully score a deep cross into the stalk.,
STEP 7
Remove only any tatty outer leaves, leaving the rest intact.,
STEP 8
Sit the cauliflower in the pan, stalk side down, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil.,
STEP 9
Spoon some of the onions and liquid over the cauliflower, then bring to the boil and carefully transfer the pan to the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender (check by inserting a sharp knife).,
STEP 10
Baste it with the pan juices twice during cooking.,
STEP 11
Carefully lift the cauliflower on to a platter and spoon over the soft onions, olives and fragrant juices from the pan.,
STEP 12
Slice, and serve.