Bloemkool Cauliflower Netherlands Style Food

BLOEMKOOLSOEP (DUTCH CAULIFLOWER SOUP)

Steps:

• Clean cauliflower and separate into florettes.
• Chop the tender part of the stalk.
• Discard remainder of the stalk.
• Bring the stock to a soft boil and cook the cauliflower until just barely tender (about 8 min).
• Meanwhile in a sauce pan, melt butter, add flour and stir constantly about five minutes.
• Slowly add some of the cauliflower stock to the flour mixture.
• Continue to stir flour mixture and add enough stock to dissolve all flour and have a consistency you can pour into the stock to thicken it when the cauliflower is tender.
• Add nutmeg and cream to the soup, stir, and serve hot.
• For variety, you can omit the nutmeg, and add paprika instead.
• You can also add 1/2 cup cheese when you are combining the flour and stock.

BLOEMKOOL (CAULIFLOWER NETHERLANDS - STYLE)

Steps:

• Clean and break cauliflower into flowerettes.
• In a kettle, boil cauliflower in the water until tender.
• While the cauliflower is cooking, melt butter in a medium saucepan, over low heat.
• Whisk in flour, salt and nutmeg, making a smooth paste.
• Add the milk slowly, stirring constantly to incorporate smoothly.
• Cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
• Optional: grated cheese may be added at this point, stirring constantly to incorporate into a smooth sauce.
• Drain and place cauliflower in a serving dish.
• Pour white sauce, (cheese sauce) over cauliflower and serve.

ATJAR BLOEMKOOL (PICKLED CAULIFLOWER INDONESIAN STYLE)

Steps:

• Cut the florets from the cauliflower into pieces two and a half inches in length by about one and a half inches wide. Wash and drain them.
• Place eight cups of water in a large pot. Bring the water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook for 10 to 15 seconds, until the florets whiten slightly. Remove the pot from the heat and run cold water into it. Drain the cauliflower, put it back in the pot, run cold water over it again. Drain. Place in a large bowl and reserve.
• In the pot, place all the other ingredients and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Turn off the heat, pour the mixture over the cauliflower florets and mix well so that the cauliflower is covered and the florets turn bright yellow. Place the bowl, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, or overnight. Serve cold. Leftover cauliflower florets may be kept in a jar, refrigerated, for about four to six weeks.